LIG Nex1 showcased its medium-range surface-to-air missile Block-II (M-SAM II) system at IDEX 2023, more than a year after the UAE signed a $3.5 billion missile deal with the South Korean defense procurement agency.
talk to shepard During the show, Eric Yoon, principal manager of LIG’s UAE operations, said deliveries of an undisclosed number of M-SAM systems began last year and are expected to be completed by 2027.
Yoon also said the company is currently in discussions with Saudi Arabia about the sale of a medium-altitude anti-aircraft weapon that the manufacturer calls the Korean Patriot system.
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He added that LIG is confident the sale will take place this year or next at the latest.
The first M-SAM system capable of intercepting enemy aircraft entered service with the South Korean military in 2015.
Developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and manufactured by LIG Nex1, Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Defense, the upgraded M-SAM Block II is designed to intercept low-level ballistic missiles flying at altitudes below 40 kilometers.
It has a maximum range of 70 kilometers and is 80 percent and 95 percent accurate when firing one and two missiles, respectively.
Yoon said the LIG offers countries a cost-effective solution.
similar to turkish more than SAM, M-SAM II may go into the stockpiles of countries that cannot buy US or European systems due to high prices, Israeli equipment for political reasons, and Russia due to the country’s involvement in sanctions.
LIG Nex1 also showcased two UAS concept designs, both expected to be ready within the next two years. (Photo: Author)
The Turkish product has more than twice the range of the South Korean system, but it cannot detect and intercept ballistic missiles.
M-SAM II is the core weapon system of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) network, capable of responding to ballistic attacks and providing surface-to-air defense against enemy aircraft with a longer range than M-SAM Block I.
LIG also showcased two UAS concept designs, both expected to be ready within the next two years.
Yoon said one was developed for engaging infantry and light vehicles. It will be able to carry small missiles and loitering munitions with a range of up to 2 kilometers or 30-40 minutes of operation.
Another design with a similar range is the 15kg multi-purpose UAV, which is mainly used for ISR purposes, but since it can carry smaller missiles weighing up to 1kg, it is able to hit the same targets.
It will have foldable wings and can be carried by troops on foot as a backpack.
Shepard’s IDEX and NAVDEX 2023 Report sponsored by:
