Kuala lumpur: LIG Defense and Aerospace, a South Korean precision-guided weapons manufacturer, has successfully secured a contract to export its "Haegung" surface-to-air missile system to Malaysia, marking the first time this weapon system will be exported. The agreement, valued at approximately US$94 million, was finalized between LIG Defense and Aerospace and Malaysia's defense ministry during a defense exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur this week.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this landmark deal signifies the initial export of the Haegung missile, which was developed by the state-run Agency for Defense Development in 2011. The missile system is designed to intercept various aerial threats aimed at warships, including anti-ship missiles and aircraft. The Haegung missiles are planned to be installed on Malaysian offshore patrol vessels produced by Turkey's prominent defense firm STM.

This agreement coincides with Malaysia launching the Defence Services Asia 2026, the largest arms exhibition in the region, running from Monday to Thursday. South Korea has actively participated in this event by operating a promotional booth to showcase its homegrown arms products, aiming to enhance its presence in the Southeast Asian defense market.