Hanwha Aerospace has successfully signed a major defense export contract with Croatia to supply 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher (MRLS) systems. Valued at approximately 640 billion KRW (about 411 million to 418 million Euros), this landmark agreement marks the first large-scale defense cooperation project between South Korea and Croatia. The official signing ceremony took place on September 10 (local time) at the Office of the Prime Minister in Zagreb, Croatia, attended by high-ranking officials including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, and Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Yong-chul Lee. 

With this procurement, Croatia has officially become the fourth European nation to adopt the Chunmoo system, following Poland, Estonia, and Norway. While Middle Eastern nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have also acquired the system, their acquisitions have traditionally remained low-profile due to regional dynamics. The newly finalized contract package includes not only the 18 launchers but also ammunition supply vehicles, fire-direction command vehicles, precision-guided rockets, comprehensive training programs, and long-term logistics support. Deliveries are scheduled to run through 2030. 

Prime Minister Plenković emphasized that the investment is one of the most significant modernizations for the Croatian Armed Forces since acquiring multi-role Rafale fighter jets. He noted that the K-239 Chunmoo will complement existing artillery systems like HIMARS, significantly enhance the nation's range and firepower, diversify procurement routes, and provide a strong strategic deterrence against potential threats. Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić also lauded South Korea's defense industry for its competitive pricing, top-tier manufacturing quality, and rapid delivery capabilities. 

Developed domestically to counter North Korea's artillery and multiple rocket threats, the Chunmoo system has been operational with the Republic of Korea Army since 2015. Known for its devastating firepower reminiscent of a "steel rain," the modular launcher can fire three different calibers of rockets: 130mm (with a maximum range of approximately 36 kilometers), 239mm (around 80 kilometers), and 600mm (around 290 kilometers). Each launcher pod can carry 40 rounds of 130mm rockets, 12 rounds of 239mm rockets, or 2 rounds of 600mm rockets. 

Furthermore, Croatia's Chunmoo units are set to integrate Poland’s TOPAZ battlefield management system, facilitating enhanced interoperability among European operators. Industry experts anticipate that this successful export will pave the way for deeper strategic partnerships between South Korea and European defense networks, extending into local industrial cooperation and joint maintenance frameworks.

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