A test site for Hanwha Systems’ Cheongung-II Multi-Function Radar (MFR). Going forward, Hanwha Systems plans to develop the Cheongung-III Multi-Function Radar (MFR)—a more advanced system based entirely on domestic technology—marking the first major upgrade to the Cheongung radar family in 13 years. The company announced on the 17th that it signed a prototype development contract for the Multi-Function Radar (MFR) under Phase III of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (M-SAM) program, led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The development program will run through June 2030.

Cheongung-III aims to counter evolving ballistic missile threats by significantly enhancing detection range and altitude, interception range and altitude, and simultaneous engagement capability compared to the existing Cheongung-II system. At the heart of the system is an advanced MFR incorporating AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology, enabling simultaneous detection, tracking, and engagement of high-speed targets at long range. A single radar can manage multiple targets while also performing friend-or-foe identification, making it the central sensor of the system.

Hanwha Systems is integrating its accumulated experience from Cheongung-I and Cheongung-II with AESA technologies developed across multiple programs, including the KF-21 fighter AESA radar, L-SAM MFR, LAMD MFR, Ulsan-class Batch-III (FFX Batch-III) MFR, and the Korea Next-Generation Destroyer (KDDX) MFR. The resulting next-generation radar is expected to provide lower-tier air and missile defense capabilities against future threats such as cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems.

The Cheongung-II MFR has already proven its performance and reliability in export markets, with major contracts signed with the United Arab Emirates (approximately USD 1.1 billion), Saudi Arabia (approximately USD 866.8 million), and Iraq (approximately KRW 860 billion).

“Through the development of the Cheongung-III Multi-Function Radar, Hanwha Systems will further solidify its position as a global No. 1 radar company,” said Park Hyuk, Head of the Radar Center at Hanwha Systems. “We will continue to strengthen the reliability of South Korea’s air and missile defense architecture while actively expanding exports.”

Hanwha Systems currently supplies MFRs across the full spectrum of South Korea’s Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) architecture, including M-SAM Blocks I, II, and III; L-SAM I and II; and LAMD, establishing a comprehensive, end-to-end air defense sensor lineup.

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk