KP-SAM Chiron

History

The KP-SAM Chiron was created to protect ROK troops in the forward area, which started in 1995 under the direction of LIG Nex1. In late 2003, the delivery of the Igla SAMs from Russia in payment for Russian debts to Korea appear to have solved the problem momentarily. The KP-SAM began production in 2004 with extended trials in early 2005.

In late 2005, the KP-SAM entered service with the South Korean Army, after being in development for nearly 8 years. The South Korean Army has ordered some 2000 units to be delivered in the near future.

In 2011, the KP-SAM was proposed to the Indian military for potential export. It was being marketed in 2012 for India's modernization of their VSHORAD system, competing with the RBS 70, the Starstreak, the Mistral-2 and the SA-24.

In November 2012, Peru announced that they will purchase the Chiron alongside 108 missiles and three TPS-830KE radar under a $USD 43 million defense contract. However, the deal was called off in May 2013 over problems on paying for the contract.

In 2014, Indonesia bought the KP-SAM for integration with the Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft system. It was previously shown at the Indo Defence 2014 exhibition.

In 2021 it is reported that failure rate of the KP-SAM was at 24% due to aging inventory that has been improperly stored along lacking proficiency with the system by its operators.

Features

While the missile system externally resembles a French Mistral system, the entire missile system including the seeker, control section, warhead and motor were developed and manufactured in South Korea. The missile features integrated IFF systems, night and adverse weather capabilities, a two-colour (IR/UV) infrared seeker to aid in negating infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and a proximity-fuse warhead. During development tests the missile scored a 90% hit ratio.

According to Agency for Defense Development officials, the missile is superior to the American FIM-92 Stinger or the French Mistral in hit probability, price and portability. It had been involved in a missile test where the Shingung's missile made impact on a low-flying target as high as 3.5 kilometers with a speed of 697.5 m/s (more than Mach 2.36) and a distance range of 7 km.

Operators

• Indonesia: Indonesian Air Force acquired and operated Chirons since 2014 which was integrated with Oerlikon Skyshield 35 mm anti-aircraft gun system. Additional 2 Chirons transferred according to a 2019 SIPRI small arms report.
• Romania: 54 KP-SAMs. First systems delivered in June 2024.
• South Korea: In ROK Army service since 2005.

Failed contracts

• Peru

Notes

References

References

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2. (4 October 2023). "Slovenská vláda schválila nákup systémov Barak MX a Piorun".
3. (January 2023). "한국형 지대공 유도무기 신궁 전력화 완료". [[Defense Acquisition Program Administration]].
4. Brahmand.com. (2011-04-27). "S Korean firm offers anti-aircraft missile to India: report".
5. "KP-SAM / KPSAM New Bow (Shingung / Shingoong)". Global Security.
6. (April 2012). "VSHORAD – India's Next Big Air Defense Program".
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9. (6 November 2014). "LIG Nex 1 showcases Chiron portable SAM and Raybolt 3rd anti-tank guided missile | IndoDefence 2014 Official Show Daily News Coverage | Defence and security military army exhibition 2014".
10. (12 October 2021). ""신궁 유도탄, 3년간 24% 사격 실패…발사 직후 지상 낙하도"".
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15. Cristina Șomănescu. (19 March 2024). "Primele trei sisteme de rachete antiaeriene portabile Manpad Chiron din cele 54 cumpărate de MApN cu peste 96 de milioane de dolari vor fi livrate la finalul lunii mai".
16. (19 June 2024). "Sistemul antiaerian CHIRON a intrat în dotarea Forțelor Terestre". Pro Patria MApN.