Estonia to Purchase at Least Six South Korean–Made Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launchers
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and representatives of the South Korean defence industry company Hanwha Aerospace have signed a contract for the procurement of six Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. The contract, worth nearly €290 million, covers the launcher systems, three types of missile systems (CGR-080, CTM-MR, CTM-290), as well as operational and training support. In addition, modifications to the platforms will be ordered to ensure they meet Estonian conditions and traffic regulations. Deliveries will begin in the second half of 2027, and the framework agreement allows for the future procurement of additional systems.
“Estonia began developing its deep-strike capability this April with the acquisition of the U.S. HIMARS systems. Since multiple rocket launchers are of invaluable importance from a military capability perspective, I am extremely pleased that, in addition to U.S. HIMARS, we will now also acquire South Korean Chunmoo systems, thereby significantly enhancing both Estonia’s and NATO’s overall deterrence and defence capability,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
As part of the framework agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will also make investments in Estonia’s defence industry in accordance with the volume and conditions set out in the contract. “As part of the agreement, the company will invest one-fifth of the total procurement contract value in Estonian industry. The initial investment should return amount value of €40~60 million to Estonian defence industry companies,” explained Katri Raudsepp, Acting Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI).
“This contract highlights the need for defence solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also ready for immediate deployment,” said Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “Our priority is to strengthen security in the Baltic region by leveraging our rapid production capability to ensure the timely delivery of these critical capabilities to Estonia.”
Chunmoo is a state-of-the-art multiple rocket launcher system designed to provide high mobility and rapid, precise firepower. It is mounted on highly mobile 8×8 trucks and is capable of firing both 239 mm guided rockets with a range of up to 80 kilometres, as well as longer-range missiles such as the CTM-290 tactical ballistic missile, with a flight range of up to 290 km.
“The procurement of additional rocket launchers will allow the division to significantly increase its ability to strike targets deep within the adversary’s territory, thereby creating better conditions for projecting effects onto enemy territory. Alongside HIMARS, Chunmoo is certainly a good choice for this purpose,” said Lieutenant Colonel Meelis Laanemets, Senior Staff Officer and Artillery Inspector in the Defence Forces Headquarters’ Analysis and Planning Department.
The system’s name, “Chunmoo” (in Korean, approximate pronunciation “Chun-moo”), literally means “Heavenly God of War” or “Heavenly Warrior.” The name symbolises power and grandeur and refers to the weapon system’s ability to strike targets far beyond the horizon. Names with similar meanings are often used in Korean military technology to emphasise both national pride and strategic capability.
In October of this year, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur and South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back signed a defence cooperation agreement between the two countries in Seoul, under which Estonia planned to procure South Korean Chunmoo rocket launchers in addition to U.S. HIMARS systems. Alongside the Chunmoo procurement contracts, the Ministry of Defence also signed a cooperation agreement this Sunday with the Korean export agency KOTRA, aimed at further strengthening defence industry cooperation between Estonia and South Korea.
Deliveries of the Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers will begin in the second half of 2027.
Pictures (Hendrik Tali/ECDI): https://www.flickr.com/photos/199302158@N02/albums/72177720331040691/with/54997362823
Video B-roll (Estonian Defence Forces): https://owncloud.leviracloud.eu/index.php/s/A0pECk3VFk5xKMC
Chunmoo video (Hanwha Aerospace): https://we.tl/t-qCDD3lB3NQ