LIG Nears Completion of Romanian Chiron MANPADS Deliveries

South Korea’s LIG Defence & Aerospace is approaching the completion of its contract to supply Chiron man portable air defense systems to the Romanian Land Forces, according to information presented during the BSDA 2026 defense exhibition in Bucharest.

Company representatives indicated that the final delivery batch is scheduled for completion before the end of May. The contract, signed in November 2023, covers 54 launchers and 162 missiles. 

The agreement also includes simulator systems, technical documentation, and maintenance training for Romanian personnel. LIG stated that these elements are intended to support long term operational sustainment and local technical capability development within the Romanian Armed Forces. 

Romania’s acquisition of the Chiron system marked the first operational entry of a South Korean air defense system into a NATO member state inventory, strengthening Seoul’s position in the European defense market. 

During BSDA 2026, LIG representatives also confirmed ongoing discussions with the Romanian Ministry of National Defence regarding a potential expansion of the Chiron fleet and broader cooperation on layered air defense capabilities. 

The Chiron system competes in the short range air defense segment alongside systems such as MBDA’s Mistral and Saab’s RBS 70 NG. The Romanian program forms part of wider efforts by Bucharest to modernize its ground based air defense network amid increased regional security requirements on NATO’s eastern flank. 

LIG used the exhibition to promote additional air and missile defense products for European and NATO markets, including the K SAAM, M SAM II, and L SAM systems, as well as counter drone and unmanned naval platforms.