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South Korea's Missiles Challenge China's Defense Sales in Middle East

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Analysts say South Korea's surface-to-air missiles could challenge China's defense sales in the Middle East.
A Foreign Policy Research Institute study reports over 5,000 munitions fired in the first 96 hours, including Gulf states' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles (THAAD).
The shortage led the United States to reposition THAAD and Patriot systems regionally.
South Korea's Cheongung-II missile, used by the United Arab Emirates, supports defense against Iranian attacks.

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Story summary

Analysts say South Korea's surface-to-air missiles could challenge China's defense sales in the Middle East.
A Foreign Policy Research Institute study reports over 5,000 munitions fired in the first 96 hours, including Gulf states' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missiles (THAAD).
The shortage led the United States to reposition THAAD and Patriot systems regionally.
South Korea's Cheongung-II missile, used by the United Arab Emirates, supports defense against Iranian attacks.