The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and the South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace have signed a contract for the procurement of an initial six Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. The contract is worth just under 290 million euros. In addition to the launch systems, the contract also includes three different types of ammunition (CGR-080, CTM-MR and CTM-290) as well as training and operational support. In addition, modifications will be made to the carrier vehicles in order to adapt the systems to Estonian operating conditions and traffic regulations.
The delivery of the systems to the Estonian armed forces is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027. A framework agreement included in the contract also allows for further systems to be procured at a later date.
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur put the decision in strategic terms: “Estonia began to expand its ability to operate in depth in April of this year with the procurement of US HIMARS systems. As multiple rocket launchers are invaluable from a military point of view, I am very pleased that we are now procuring South Korean Chunmoo systems in addition to HIMARS. This will significantly strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities of Estonia and NATO as a whole.”
Industrial cooperation and investments
As part of the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will also invest in the Estonian defense industry. According to Katri Raudsepp, Acting Director General of ECDI, the agreement provides for around one fifth of the total contract value to be invested in Estonia. The initial investments are expected to reach a volume of around 40 to 60 million euros and benefit Estonian defense companies.
Hanwha Aerospace CEO Jae-il Son emphasized the operational relevance of the project: “This contract underlines the need for defense solutions that are not only technologically advanced but can also be made operational at short notice. Our priority is to strengthen security in the Baltics and ensure timely delivery of these critical capabilities thanks to our high production capabilities.”
Performance profile of the system
Chunmoo is an advanced multiple rocket launcher system with high mobility and precise firepower. It is mounted on highly mobile 8×8 truck chassis and can fire both 239-millimeter guided missiles with ranges of up to 80 kilometers and longer-range systems such as the CTM-290 tactical ballistic missile with a range of up to 290 kilometers.
The procurement is also viewed positively from a military perspective. Lieutenant Colonel Meelis Laanemets, artillery inspector and staff officer in the analysis and planning section of the Estonian Defense Staff, explained: “The procurement of additional rocket launchers will enable the division to significantly increase its ability to operate deep in enemy territory and thus create better conditions for military effects on enemy territory. Besides HIMARS, Chunmoo is undoubtedly a very good choice for this purpose.”
Strategic context
The name “Chunmoo” translates roughly as “Heavenly God of War” or “Heavenly Warrior” and is symbolic of range, assertiveness and strategic impact – terms that are deliberately used in South Korean military technology to emphasize national capability.
Defense Minister Pevkur and his South Korean counterpart Ahn Gyu-back had already signed a bilateral defense agreement in Seoul in October, which formed the basis for the procurement of the Chunmoo systems in addition to HIMARS. At the same time, the Estonian Ministry of Defense also recently concluded a cooperation agreement with the South Korean export agency KOTRA in order to further intensify industrial cooperation.
Delivery of the Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to the Estonian armed forces is scheduled to start in the second half of 2027.
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