Photo = LIG Nex1

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, South Korea — July 29, 2025 — LIG Nex1 has been awarded major components of South Korea’s next-generation medium-range surface-to-air missile (M-SAM) program, known as “Cheongung-III,” overcoming competition from several Hanwha Group affiliates.




According to defense industry officials, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) recently notified bidders of the results of its proposal evaluation for the Cheongung-III project. The evaluation, conducted by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), determined that LIG Nex1 scored highest in the system integration, Engagement Control Station (ECS), and interceptor missile categories.



By contrast, Hanwha Aerospace received the top score in the launcher segment, while Hanwha Systems led the multi-function radar (MFR) component.



Division of Responsibilities
The outcome indicates that both LIG Nex1 and Hanwha affiliates attempted to expand into each other’s traditional areas of expertise but were unsuccessful in securing dominance beyond their core segments. Moving forward, the Cheongung-III program is expected to follow a similar division of work as the previous Cheongung-II project, with LIG Nex1 and Hanwha companies sharing responsibilities across the system.



Key Takeaways
LIG Nex1: Wins roles in system integration, ECS, and interceptor missiles.



Hanwha Aerospace: Selected for launcher development.



Hanwha Systems: Selected for multi-function radar, but failed to secure the ECS contract.



Industry analysts note that Hanwha Systems’ failed bid for the Engagement Control Station was the most notable result. “Had Hanwha Systems won the ECS contract, it could have significantly reshaped the division of work in Korea’s air defense missile programs,” said one industry insider. “Hanwha aimed to gain a leadership position in the segment, but ultimately fell short.”



About Cheongung-III
The Cheongung-III system is being developed to provide air and missile defense capabilities at altitudes roughly twice as high as the Cheongung-II, enhancing South Korea’s layered defense network.

 

 

 

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