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M-SAM
Photo: dooyeol Choi Music travel · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
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M-SAM

Medium-Range SAM · South Korea · 2015
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M-SAM

M-SAM
M-SAM Photo: dooyeol Choi Music travel · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
75
Altitude Coverage
70
Radar & Tracking
80
Engagement Capacity
75
Reaction Time
85
Mobility
80
ECCM
75
Multi-Target Capability
70
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin South Korea
ManufacturerHanwha Aerospace, LIG Defense&Aerospace
CategoryMedium-Range SAM
EraModern Era
In service2015
Operators6 countries
Data Quality85%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
77
Medium-Range SAM MASS Rating
4/29
Modern Era
8/123
All-Time
Medium-Range SAM · 10 axes scored
Range
75
Altitude Coverage
70
Radar & Tracking
80
Engagement Capacity
75
Reaction Time
85
Mobility
80
ECCM
75
Multi-Target Capability
70
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the medium-range sam category.
01 / Overview
M-SAM
Production
2015–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
MEDIUM-RANGE SAM · MODERN ERA
4
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
77
medium-range sam category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the medium-range sam category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • System TypeMedium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile/anti-ballistic missile system
  • Service Entry Year2015
  • Engagement Layer (SHORAD/Med/Long)medium-range
  • MobileYes
  • In ServiceYes
◈Effector / Missile5MOD.5
  • Missile / EffectorCheongung (KM-SAM)
  • Ready Missiles32
  • Maximum Range50 km
  • Maximum Altitude20,000 m
  • Missile Speed (Mach)5 Mach
▣Guidance5MOD.5
◇Radar & Sensors1MOD.1
◆Gun (if applicable)1MOD.1
▤Mobility & Deployment2MOD.2
⬢Production2MOD.2
  • Operators4
  • Variants3
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 2015Production started
  2. 2018Entered service
  3. 2023Sale: United Arab Emirates (12 units) · $3.5 Mr
  4. 2024Sale: Saudi Arabia (10 units) · $3.2 Mr
  5. 2026First deployment: 2026 Iran War
11
years in service
6
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
M-SAMSALES3records
YearBuyerQuantityAmountPresent Value (2025)
2024Iraq8$2.80 Mr$2.87 Mr
2024Saudi Arabia10$3.20 Mr$3.28 Mr
2023United Arab Emirates12$3.50 Mr$3.70 Mr
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
Omni-directional protection provided by a missile system, enabling targets to be engaged from any angle.
Capability of a Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) to operate effectively in adverse weather conditions, including rain, fog, or low visibility.
A missile guidance method where the projectile is directed by real-time commands from an external control source, such as an operator or tracking system, to intercept a target.
Fire-and-forget refers to a missile guidance system where the missile guides itself to its target after launch, requiring no further input from the operator.
Mobile: a capability indicating the MANPADS can be transported and operated by a single soldier or small team, enabling rapid deployment and relocation.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Medium-Range SAM entry →