ISLAMABAD (TDI): On Thursday, Iraq is set to sign a significant defense agreement with South Korea next week to acquire the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system.
The deal, valued at $2.5 billion (approximately 3.5 trillion South Korean won), involves the purchase of eight of these advanced missile defense systems.
This contract marks Iraq as the third nation to secure a trillion South Korean won deal for the Cheongung-II, following Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Iraq to Buy Cheongung-II
The acquisition underscores Iraq’s commitment to enhancing its air defense capabilities and strengthening its military infrastructure amidst ongoing regional security challenges.
Read More: Iraq Purchases 14 Helicopters from Airbus
It is pertinent to mention here that Iraq is grappling with several challenges related to its military equipment and defense strategy.
The Mi-17 helicopters, which are crucial for operations against ISIS, are proving difficult to maintain due to the complexities of servicing Russian-made equipment.
Also Read: PM of Iraq Survives Attack on His Home
As a result, Iraq plans to replace these helicopters with 12 Airbus H225M Caracals, which offer modern capabilities but come with their own set of logistical and training requirements.
