UAE Deploys 8 Transport Aircraft to Ship Cheongung-II Missiles to South Korea

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is dispatching eight large transport aircraft to South Korea to secure an early supply of Cheongung-II missile batteries, part of the 10 batteries that have not yet been deployed. The UAE signed a contract to acquire 10 Cheongung-II batteries in 2022, and this transport operation is aimed at enhancing its combat operational capabilities.

The Cheongung-II, which has recorded a 96% interception success rate against Iranian missile attacks, currently has two batteries deployed in South Korea. This battery transport is seen as a response to the heightened security environment.

The Cheongung-II consists of multiple launchers, a detection and tracking radar, and an engagement control station, possessing the capability to intercept targets over 200 km away and simultaneously track and strike multiple targets. These performance capabilities contribute to strengthening the UAE's air defense network amidst regional instability in the Middle East.