Share Source: Defense Express
German concern Rheinmetall and South Korean company LIG Defense & Aerospace plan to develop a new C-PGM/ESHORAD surface-to-air missile. Among other things, it can be used to shoot down glide bombs, or KABs (guided aerial bombs). At the same time, its practical use in Ukraine may be complicated by a number of factors.
Key points:
- The joint project between Germany and South Korea for a new C-PGM/ESHORAD surface-to-air missile has the potential to shoot down glide bombs or KABs.
- The planned range and operating altitude of the missile, as well as its technical specifications, indicate the possibility of its successful use in combat conditions.
Rheinmetall and LIG Defense & Aerospace are developing a new surface-to-air missile
A representative of LIG at the Eurosatory 2026 arms exhibition in Paris stated that the new missile has been designated C-PGM/ESHORAD. Its range will be 20 km, and the declared maximum operating altitude is about 6–7 km, although it is noted that practical target engagement will likely occur at lower altitudes.
As analysts note, it has not yet been decided which type of seeker will be used, but it is quite possible that the missile will be equipped with a radar system. It is planned that the development will be fully completed in three years, and in an ideal scenario – in two, meaning readiness is expected in 2028–2029.
Defense Express noted that a launcher for such a missile was also shown at the exhibition. It is based on a truck and has 16 launch cells. The plans include integrating the Skynex air defense system, which is currently equipped only with cannons.
The publication notes that the concept sounds quite interesting for Ukraine, considering the problem of Russia’s mass use of KABs.
In addition, the Air Force already uses Skynex anti-aircraft systems, so integration would not be too difficult.
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On the other hand, according to experts, it is quite unlikely that such an air defense system can be deployed directly on the front lines. However, according to analysts, it could be used to cover important frontline facilities and the civilian population.
There is also the question of the cost of such a missile and production rates, the insufficient quantity of which could limit the system’s usefulness. And the expected readiness in 2028-2029 is still quite far off, similar to the DEFENDAIR surface-to-air missile from MBDA, which will be integrated into the Skyranger 30 for Germany.
The most significant argument against supplying Ukraine, according to Defense Express, is the involvement of a South Korean company in the project.
This country has previously prohibited the sale of KM-SAM II air defense systems to Ukraine, so it is quite likely that a similar joint project may also not receive permission.
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The development will be carried out within the framework of cooperation between Rheinmetall and LIG Defense & Aerospace in the field of air defense, which involves the creation of a joint venture. In addition to designing new assets, there are plans to also localize existing South Korean surface-to-air missiles.