Third M-SAM II reportedly arrives in UAE
Launchers for the UAE's Patriot, THAAD, and M-SAM II air defence systems during a visit by Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum to Al-Dhafra Air Base on 11 May 2025. (Dubai Media Office)
The United Arab Emirates has sent C-17 transport aircraft to South Korea to expedite the delivery of the third Cheongung II air-defence system, the official Yonhap news agency reported on 12 June.
Citing South Korean military and defence industry sources, it reported that Abu Dhabi had decided to send aircraft to collect the system due to the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and illustrated the story with a photograph of an Emirati C-17 at Daegu Air Force Base.
The UAE ordered 10 batteries of the M-SAM II export version of the Cheongung II in 2022. Yonhap reported that the two systems already delivered to the UAE have launched more than 60 missiles since the Iran conflict began on 28 February and achieved a successful interception rate of approximately 96%. It previously reported that an Emirati C-17 flight to Daegu in March picked up additional missiles for the systems.
Yonhap
For more information, see Iran conflict 2026: Ballistic missile attacks on UAE remain steady
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
