Japanese media analyzed that the decisive factor behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledging to give priority to supplying 24 million barrels of crude oil to Korea was Korea’s provision of the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile system, which it developed.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 20th (local time) that “the UAE’s decision to provide 24 million barrels of crude oil to Korea is an exceptional preferential measure,” and carried this assessment. It continued, “Korea has developed its relationship with the UAE in the energy and defense sectors, including support for UAE special forces education and training,” adding, “On top of these steady efforts, the decisive factor behind (the UAE’s crude oil supply) was the UAE’s import of the Korean-made medium-range surface-to-air missile ‘Cheongung-II’.”

In 2022, the UAE signed a contract with Korea’s LIG Nex1, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Aerospace to introduce 10 batteries of Cheongung-II. To date, two batteries have been deployed for operational use. As demand has increased following Iran’s recent air strikes, the UAE is reported to have asked the Korean government to deliver Cheongung-II batteries earlier than the delivery dates specified in the contract. Cheongung-II is known to have demonstrated an interception rate of about 96% against Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.


Previously, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, who visited the UAE as a special envoy of the president and returned to Korea, held a briefing at the presidential office on the 18th and stated, “We have finalized the emergency import of a total of 18 million barrels of crude oil (from the UAE).” The decision was made to additionally import crude oil from the UAE in order to resolve energy supply uncertainties stemming from the prolonged war between the United States and Iran. Kang said, “(The UAE side) clearly promised, ‘There will be no country that receives crude oil before Korea. Korea is the top priority (No. 1 Priority) in crude oil supply.’”

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