News
LIG D&A signs K-SAAM missile export contract with the Malaysian Ministry of Defence
2026.04.22
#M-SAM
#Cheongung
#K-Air Defense Belt
#K-SAAM
#surface-to-air guided missile
#Kuala Lumpur
#Malaysia
- Building on the global success of M-SAM II (Cheongung), LIG D&A expands the reach of the “K-Air Defense Belt” into Southeast Asia, further cementing its reputation as a “globally recognized leader in guided missile systems”
- First export of a naval air defense missile, pioneering a new export model through collaboration with an international platform builder
LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) has signed an export contract with the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia for its K-SAAM naval surface-to-air guided missile system, marking the first overseas export of the system.
The signing ceremony took place on April 22 (local time) at DSA 2026, an international defense exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur. This is the first export contract signed between LIG D&A and Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence, with a value of USD 94 million (approximately KRW 140 billion).
The K-SAAM (Korean Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile), also known as Haegung (Sea Bow), is a guided missile designed to intercept a wide range of threats, including incoming missiles and aircraft targeting naval vessels. The development was launched in 2011 under the leadership of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), with LIG D&A participating as the principal contractor. The missile features a dual-mode seeker incorporating a radio-frequency (RF) radar sensor and imaging infrared (IIR) guidance, delivering a high level of engagement accuracy.
The K-SAAM system will be integrated into the Royal Malaysian Navy's Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) being built by the Turkish defense contractor STM. The contract represents a new export model in which LIG D&A successfully partnered with an overseas platform builder, leveraging its strengths in mission systems and systems integration.
Building on the global recognition that LIG D&A has earned through exports of the M-SAM II (Cheongung-II) to the Middle East, the successful export of the K-SAAM has further strengthened its reputation as a “globally recognized leader in guided missile systems.” The company remains committed to continuously expanding its presence beyond Malaysia into Southeast Asia and the broader global market by promoting its advanced technologies, including its integrated multi-layered air defense solutions.
Moving forward, LIG D&A intends to accelerate the expansion of the “K-Air Defense Belt” in the global market by building on the proven export track records of its K-SAAM short-range naval surface-to-air missile and M-SAM II medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.