Romania Acquires South Korea Chiron (KP-SAM) Air Defence Systems
Defense News ,Romania :- In a significant development on January 15, the Romanian government successfully concluded an intergovernmental agreement with the Republic of Korea, solidifying the purchase of South Korean Chiron (KP-SAM) very short-range air defense systems.
Valued at approximately USD 96.5 million, the contract encompasses 54 man-portable Chiron (KP-SAM) launchers, an undisclosed quantity of anti-aircraft missiles, an initial logistics support package, documentation, technical support, training aids, and various services. This acquisition is a pivotal component of Romania's 'Strategic Umbrella' (Umbrela Strategică) initiative, aimed at acquiring diverse anti-aircraft assets for the Romanian Armed Forces. In 2022, a tender was conducted for light anti-aircraft systems, initially selecting the MBDA France Mistral 3 system. However, the process was later canceled.
The LiG Nex1 Chiron system emerged as the chosen alternative, as first reported by Romanian media in the middle of the preceding year. Bucharest plans to allocate approximately USD 680 million for short-range anti-aircraft systems, with the entire program holding a budget of about USD 2 billion.
This groundbreaking agreement positions Romania as the first NATO country to deploy South Korean anti-aircraft defense systems, marking a milestone in the nation's efforts to enhance its military capabilities and contribute to regional security.
South Korean Chiron (KP-SAM) Specifications:-
Missile:
- Length: 1.6 meters
- Diameter: 80 millimeters
- Weight: 15.8 kg (missile), 19.5 kg (in launch tube)
- Warhead: 2-2.5 kg high-explosive fragmentation, with around 800 fragments
- Propulsion: Single-stage solid-propellant rocket motor, plus ejection motor
- Speed: Mach 2.1
- Range: 7 km maximum, 0.5 km minimum
- Altitude: 3.5 km maximum, 10 m minimum
- Seeker: Two-color (infrared/ultraviolet) seeker for improved resistance to countermeasures
- Guidance: Laser beam riding
- Features: Integrated friend-or-foe (IFF) system, night and adverse weather capabilities, proximity fuse
System:
- Launcher: Tripod firing post operated by two crew
- Radar: Typically not part of the individual Chiron system, but integrated into larger air defense networks
Performance:
- Hit probability: Reportedly 90% against non-maneuvering targets
Comparison:
- Advantages: Claimed to be superior to the FIM-92 Stinger and Mistral MANPADS in hit probability, price, and portability
- Disadvantages: Less well-known and battle-tested than some competitors
