A Korean defense-industry official said the KF-21 Boramae's first export contract "will be announced soon," with Indonesia (reportedly around 16 units, roughly 3 trillion won), the UAE, the Philippines, and Malaysia cited as leading candidates; KAI President Kim Jong-chul said talks covering 200-plus aircraft are underway. Full-scale mass production is running, and the first mass-produced KF-21 is due to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force in September 2026. KAI plans a "KF-21/IF-X System Development Completion Ceremony" in late July. No binding export contract has been signed yet — the first-customer decision remains a watch item.
Hanwha Aerospace signed a teaming agreement with UAE-based Generation 5 Holding at Eurosatory 2026 (Paris, June 15–19) to collaborate on local manufacture and sale of the K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer for the Middle East market. The deal adds a UAE production base to Hanwha's growing global K9 network alongside Australia (operational since Aug 2024), Egypt (production from H2 2025), and Romania (groundbreaking Q1 2026). IL Sung, Hanwha Aerospace's Head of Middle East & Africa, said producing the K9 locally bolsters partners' defense autonomy and completes a MENA-wide production and supply network.
The UAE launched an accelerated airlift operation on June 12, deploying a fleet of eight C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft to move a complete Cheongung-II air defense battery from Daegu Air Force Base to the Gulf region. The urgent transfer underscores growing Middle Eastern demand for Korean missile defense systems following the Cheongung-II's combat-proven 96% intercept rate. Seoul is reviewing the request despite previous caution about supplying weapons to countries involved in active conflicts.
Rising demand from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to accelerate deliveries of Cheongung-II air defense systems is colliding with South Korea's industrial capacity limits and domestic military requirements. On April 12, The Wall Street Journal reported that Riyadh approached Hanwha Aerospace and LIG D&A about expediting Cheongung-II missile deliveries, while Abu Dhabi sought additional interceptor missile supplies following sustained exchanges with Iran. Analysts note this creates a structural trade-off: production allocated to export clients reduces the pace of domestic systems fielding. The longer-term solution lies in expanding capacity through new facilities and supply chains.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are requesting faster deliveries of South Korea's Cheongung-II (M-SAM) air defense system after its combat debut achieved a reported 96% interception rate against Iranian ballistic missiles. The UAE has asked for interceptor missiles to be supplied ahead of schedule if early battery delivery proves impossible. Six weeks of airstrikes have rapidly depleted regional interceptor stockpiles, creating urgent demand. LIG Nex1 said speeding up the timeline would be difficult due to existing production commitments.
South Korea completed the emergency delivery of a third Cheongung-II M-SAM battery to the UAE, airlifted from ROK domestic reserves via UAE C-17 transports from Daegu Air Base. The rapid resupply underscores the system's strategic importance following its successful combat debut against Iranian missiles.
LIG Nex1 and U.S. tech firm Palantir Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding on March 24, 2026, in Palo Alto to jointly develop integrated air defense and unmanned systems for the United Arab Emirates. LIG Nex1 will contribute its experience in integrated air defense and unmanned platforms, while Palantir will provide data integration and analytics software to connect sensors, platforms, and command systems.
The Cheongung-II (M-SAM Block II) medium-range air defense system achieved a stunning 96% intercept rate in its combat debut, successfully neutralizing 29 of 30 Iranian ballistic targets during the Iran-UAE confrontation. The system's performance exceeded expectations and validated years of South Korean missile defense development.
South Korea's Cheongung-II (M-SAM Block II) air defense system achieved a 96% intercept rate in its first combat engagement, destroying 29 of 30 Iranian missiles over the UAE. The system also helped intercept 645 of 689 Iranian drones. The UAE immediately requested emergency resupply of 30+ interceptors, triggering global demand for the system.
UAE's EDGE Group and South Korea's DAPA signed a landmark $35 billion defense industry cooperation framework covering integrated air defense, advanced aircraft, and maritime capabilities. The agreement establishes joint design, development, training and sustainment, moving beyond traditional buyer-seller relationships.
U.S. autonomous systems maker Shield AI announced that its V-BAT vertical takeoff drone will be armed with LIG Nex1's guided missile system, following a contract commemoration event held at UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The integration pairs Shield AI's autonomous VTOL capability with LIG Nex1's precision strike munitions, marking a significant cross-border defense technology partnership.