South Korea has finalized the initial deployment of the second phase of its Cheongung-II air defense system, which is capable of intercepting both enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. Building on the original Cheongung platform introduced in 2015, this upgrade greatly strengthens Seoul’s air defense posture.
The Cheongung-II’s first phase began rollout in 2024, with full deployment of the second phase expected by 2027. It features a range of 40 kilometers and can strike targets flying up to 15 kilometers in altitude.
Key enhancements in the second phase include new engagement control centers and advanced multifunction radars, boosting performance in low-altitude threat detection and multi-target engagement. These additions improve the system’s response to complex air attack scenarios.
The upgraded Cheongung-II is a major component of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, which aims to safeguard the nation from North Korean missile threats. KAMD operates alongside Seoul’s broader “three-axis” strategy that includes preemptive and retaliatory strike capabilities.
