The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) has signed an additional contract with South Korea’s procurement organisation KOTRA to procure three Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers from the defence company Hanwha Aerospace.
“From the perspective of military capability, artillery rocket systems are of invaluable importance, which is why we are constantly seeking opportunities to expand our arsenal. The contract for three additional Chunmoo systems not only represents a significant capability development but also reflects our increasingly active and effective cooperation with our South Korean partners. This cooperation will not remain limited to military capability development alone, as Hanwha Aerospace will reinvest a significant portion of the total contract value back into the Estonian economy,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
“At the end of last year, we signed a contract with our South Korean partners for the acquisition of six launchers, rockets, and training support. With the contract signed, we will receive three additional launchers, further enhancing our precision strike capability,” said Janari Kasemets, Category Manager for Combat Platforms at the ECDI.
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 and longer-range missiles, such as CTM-290 tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 290 kilometres.
The name Chunmoo translates directly as “heavenly war god” or “heavenly warrior”. The name symbolises power and grandeur and refers to the system’s ability to strike targets far beyond the horizon. Names with similar meanings are often used in Korean military equipment to emphasise both national pride and strategic capability.
At the end of last year, the ECDI and Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract worth approximately €290 million, covering six launcher units, three types of missile systems (CGR-080, CTM-MR, CTM-290), as well as operational and training support. The platforms were also ordered to be modified to meet Estonian conditions and traffic regulations.
As part of the framework agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will also invest in Estonia’s defence industry in accordance with the agreed scope and conditions. Under the agreement, the company will invest one-fifth of the total procurement contract value into Estonian industry. The initial investment is expected to return €40–60 million to Estonian defence companies over ten years.
The first Chunmoo rocket launchers are expected to arrive in Estonia in the second half of 2027
