Croatia Purchases South Korean "K239 Chunmoo" Rocket Launcher

According to a report by Reference News on September 12, the U.S. Defense News Weekly website reported on September 7 that the Croatian government has approved the procurement of 18 sets of the K239 "Chunmoo" rocket artillery system from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace. This system is seen as an alternative to the Lockheed Martin M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ("HIMARS").

Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić stated in a statement: "Due to the relatively short delivery time (24 to 36 months), easier availability, lower cost, and the willingness of the South Korean side to engage in industrial cooperation, European countries such as Poland, Estonia, and Norway are increasingly deciding to equip this unique system."

The procurement amount is approximately 544 million euros, and the South Korean side plans to deliver to the Croatian military between 2026 and 2029. Hanwha Aerospace will provide launchers, ammunition, and ancillary equipment to Croatia. The company's Polish partner, WB Group, will provide command and control systems to integrate all components into a unified operational unit.

In 2024, the Croatian government approved the procurement of 8 sets of the "HIMARS" system from the United States.

After the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict, the U.S. government has warned several countries that military equipment deliveries may be delayed, including "HIMARS" ammunition. This has raised concerns among NATO's eastern flank countries. (Translated by Yang Xinpeng)