Hanwha Aerospace has secured a second-phase production contract worth 225.4 billion Korean won ($153 million) to deliver Cheongeom missiles for South Korea’s light-armed helicopters.
This expands the program that began last year with a 162.3-billion Korean won ($110 million) initial order. Combined, the contracts bring the total production volume to 387.7 billion Korean won ($263 million), with deliveries scheduled through 2028.
The Cheongeom, South Korea’s first domestically developed air-to-ground guided missile, was completed in 2022 under the Agency for Defense Development, with Hanwha Aerospace producing the prototype.
Its dual-mode seeker enables day-and-night operations, while a wired datalink allows in-flight targeting adjustments and protects against enemy jamming. Seoul is planning to integrate the missile onto amphibious assault helicopters, opening the door for additional procurement projects.
Hanwha is also expanding the Cheongeom’s operational versatility beyond helicopters. The system is being adapted for use on manned and unmanned ground vehicles, while a smaller, lighter Cheongeom-L variant is under development for infantry fighting vehicle and tank turrets or direct infantry deployment.
South Korea’s Air-to-Ground Missiles
South Korea has continued advancing its air-to-ground missile capabilities to enhance precision strike and networked battlefield operations.
Alongside Cheongeom, the country has progressed with indigenous missile development programs such as the Haeseong-III anti-ship missile and the Hyunmoo tactical missile family, reflecting a broader modernization of aerial strike and multi-domain deterrence capabilities.
The Hyunmoo missile encompasses short- and medium-range ballistic and cruise variants designed for precision strikes against land and coastal targets, while the Haeseong series provides stand-off anti-ship capabilities to protect maritime approaches.
