LIG Nex1 wins US$2.78b deal for Cheongung-II to Iraq

IRAQ has signed a deal with South Korean defence firm LIG Nex1 to procure the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile defence system for US$2.78 billion. The company did not disclose more details of the contract in a regulatory filing due to security reasons.

With this deal, Iraq is the third export customer of the Cheongung-II, following the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The platform is central to South Korea’s missile defence strategy, with the primary responsibility of safeguarding against North Korean missile and aircraft threats.

LIG Nex1 produces the missile and integrated system, while Hanwha Systems supplies the radar, and Hanwha Aerospace manufactures the launchers and vehicles.

12 Airbus H225M helicopters for Iraq

Earlier this month, Iraq signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to procure 12 H225M multi-role helicopters for the Iraqi Army Aviation. The H225Ms would replace the older Mi-17 helicopters and carry out a range of responsibilities including counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and combat search and rescue. Deliveries will begin in 2025 with Iraq already operating other Airbus helicopters such as the H125, H135 and H145.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said,“we are very pleased to welcome a new member in the H225M family. The H225M is a combat-proven platform used around the world by many operators, including the French Air and Space Force (FASF), for combat search and rescue missions. It has proven its worth and saved many lives since entering into service. The H225M is unmatched in terms of range, payload and also mission systems. It has been designed to operate challenging missions in the most demanding environments. We are looking forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq’s safety and sovereignty.”-shp/adj/dl(Pix:ROKAF,FASF)