WDS 2026: First Saudi and Iraqi M-SAM IIs to be delivered in 2028

A still from a video released on 11 May 2025 shows an M-SAM II launcher with a THAAD launcher behind at Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. (Emirates News Agency (WAM))

The first Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile Block II (M-SAM II) systems are expected to be delivered to Saudi Arabia in 2028, with Iraq receiving its first system later that year, a representative from Hanwha Aerospace told Janes at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh from 8 to 12 February.

He added that the precise delivery timelines have not been finalised.

LIG Nex1 is the prime contractor for both programmes; Hanwha Systems will supply the radars, and the launchers will come from Hanwha Aerospace.

The Saudi order was announced during the previous WDS in February 2024, when the South Korean Ministry of National Defense said Saudi Arabia signed a USD3.2 billion contract for 10 M-SAM II batteries in November 2023.

This made the kingdom the second Middle Eastern country to order the M-SAM II after the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which had received its first system by May 2025, when a launcher was seen when the defence minister visited Al-Dhafra Air Base.

While the Emirati launcher was mounted on a Kia vehicle, the Hanwha Aerospace source said the Saudi ones will be on Tatras.

The Iraqi M-SAM II order was announced in September 2024, with the Iraqi Ministry of Defence saying it was for eight batteries and LIG Nex1, adding that it is worth approximately USD2.6 million.

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