Group : Surface-to-Air Missiles
Status : Active
Also Known As : Korean Portable Surface-to-Air Missile, KP-SAM Shingung
Origin : South Korea
Contractor : LIG Nex1
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2004
Total Production : 2,000
Unitary Cost : USD $173,000

The Chiron, also known as Korean Portable Surface-to-Air Missile (KP-SAM), is a man-portable, supersonic, short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) developed by LIG Nex1 for the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA). It features a two-color infrared seeker and can shoot down rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft as well as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles at ranges of 7,000 meters and altitudes up to 3,500 meters. The two-stage missile is fitted with a dual thrust rocket motor to increase terminal speed that ignites after the first stage ejects the weapon from the launch tube. The high explosive (HE) warhead can detonate by impact or utilizing a proximity fuze. Optionally, the Chiron's launch unit, which can operate day or night as a sight system, can receive clues from surveillance radars or other assets via radiofrequency. In addition to a tripod-mounted launch mechanism, the Chiron missile system can be integrated on vehicles, vessels and helicopters.