Hanwha Aerospace has secured a significant contract valued at 225.4 billion Korean won ($153 million) to continue the production of Cheongeom missiles, which are set to be used in South Korea’s light-armed helicopters. This new contract marks the second phase of a program that initially began with a 162.3-billion Korean won ($110 million) order last year. With both contracts combined, the total production volume now rises to 387.7 billion Korean won ($263 million), with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2028.
The Cheongeom missile, South Korea’s first domestically developed air-to-ground guided missile, was fully developed in 2022 under the auspices of the Agency for Defense Development, with Hanwha Aerospace responsible for producing the prototype. The missile’s innovative dual-mode seeker enables operations at any time of day, while its wired datalink feature allows for in-flight target adjustments and enhances resilience against enemy jamming efforts.
In a move to expand the missile’s applications, the South Korean government is planning to integrate the Cheongeom into amphibious assault helicopters, which could lead to further procurement projects. Hanwha Aerospace is also working to enhance the operational versatility of the Cheongeom system for use beyond helicopters. Adaptations are underway for manned and unmanned ground vehicles, and the development of a smaller, lighter variant known as Cheongeom-L is in progress. This variant is designed for use with infantry fighting vehicle and tank turrets, or for direct deployment by infantry units.
The advancement of South Korea’s air-to-ground missile capabilities represents a strategic effort to enhance precision strike and networked operations on the battlefield. In addition to the Cheongeom, the nation has made strides in other indigenous missile development programs. Among them are the Haeseong-III anti-ship missile and the Hyunmoo tactical missile family, signaling a broader modernization effort to bolster aerial strike capabilities and multi-domain deterrence.
The Hyunmoo missile series includes various short- and medium-range ballistic and cruise variants that are specifically designed for precision strikes against land and coastal targets. Meanwhile, the Haeseong series provides essential stand-off anti-ship capabilities, crucial for safeguarding maritime approaches. This comprehensive focus on missile technology illustrates South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
