ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani met with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of “armament and defense,” the premier’s office reported.
In a statement, the Iraqi prime minister’s office quoted Sudani and Gyu-back as affirming their countries’ “will to enhance bilateral relations” and “keenness to develop cooperation … especially in the field of armament and defense.”
Sudani underscored the importance of advancing this cooperation by “adopting the latest defense technologies, particularly in air defense systems.” He noted that Iraq has “a clear plan and program” for defense modernization, guided by defined priorities under agreements already signed with South Korea.
Iraq has significantly enhanced its military capabilities through a series of arms deals with South Korea, with the most significant acquisition being the KM-SAM air defense system, also known as Cheongung-II. The system is capable of intercepting both aircraft and ballistic missiles.
The Iraqi defense ministry on Tuesday reported that Baghdad is set to receive the KM-SAM system in early 2026 as part of a $2.8 billion contract signed with South Korean company LIG Nex1 in September 2024.
Defense ministry spokesperson Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the deal is "a qualitative and unprecedented step in the history of the defense ministry."
The Korean defense minister also confirmed that “continued coordination” is underway “to deliver the air defense systems to Iraq early next year,” in line with Baghdad’s “strategic vision.”
“These efforts have left a positive and significant impression in the Republic of Korea and among many countries worldwide,” said Gyu-back.
Beyond the KM-SAM system, Iraq has been engaged with South Korea to procure other military hardware.
In December 2024, Iraq's defense ministry signed a deal with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the export of KUH-1 Surion utility helicopters. The contract, reportedly valued at $93.7 million, involves a limited number of helicopters and is expected to be fulfilled by March 2029.
Meanwhile, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a leading global authority on arms transfers, reported that Baghdad in 2013 finalized a major agreement with Seoul for the delivery of 24 T-50IQ jets.
The jets are designed for both pilot training and close air support missions. The contract for the T-50IQ aircrafts, including training and support, was initially valued at $1.1 billion, with the total potentially reaching $2 billion over the course of long-term support.
The first deliveries of the T-50IQ began in 2017.
Iraq’s growing appetite for South Korean military gear is seen as part of Baghdad’s broader strategic diversification of arms suppliers and military modernization efforts.