Minister Anušić: Alongside our Rafales, the Chunmoo will be the Croatian Armed Forces’ strike force

In Banski Dvori, in the presence of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, a Contract for the delivery of K239 Chunmoo self-propelled rocket launchers with supporting equipment and systems, a Contract for the delivery and integration of a command and control (C2) system, and a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Korea were signed.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and the CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, Billy Boo-Hwan Lee, signed the Contract for the delivery of K239 Chunmoo self-propelled rocket launchers with supporting equipment and systems.

Minister Anušić and WB Electronics Vice President Adam Bartosiewicz signed a Contract for the delivery and integration of a Command and Control (C2) system.

A Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation was also signed at Banski Dvori between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Korea. It was signed by the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Korea, Ahn Gyu-back.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković and Minister Ivan Anušić held a meeting with the Korean Minister Ahn Gyu-back, during which the continued cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Korea in the field of defence was confirmed.

Prime Minister Plenković: With this type of weaponry, Croatia acquires capabilities it has never had before

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized: “Today is a very important day for the modernization and equipping of the Croatian Armed Forces, as well as for strengthening defence cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Croatia. I am truly convinced that this is a strategic leap forward, because with this type of weaponry, Croatia acquires capabilities it currently does not possess and has never had before. These contracts are the result of a continuous partnership and close cooperation between Croatia and the Republic of Korea, which we have been developing for 34 years, ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations.”

Regarding the signing of the Memorandum, the Prime Minister stated that the Memorandum will provide a solid framework for further cooperation between our ministries and armed forces, the connection of defence industries, and the development of joint projects.

Minister Anušić: Croatian Company Končar to be Involved in Project Implementation

Minister Anušić expressed his satisfaction with the signing of these contracts, which are crucial for the modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces. “I am glad that today we have reached the conclusion of a major project to equip the Croatian Armed Forces with the Chunmoo rocket system – a system that will bring us closer to the operational capabilities we have set for ourselves through documents and plans. It is this system, alongside our Rafales, that will be the strike force of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia,” he emphasized.

The minister also highlighted the involvement of domestic companies in the armed forces’ modernisation projects: “Our Croatian company Končar will be involved in the implementation of this project in the years ahead, which is of immense importance to us.”

Commenting on the signing of the Memorandum, Minister Anušić noted that it will enhance cooperation between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Korea: “The goal is for our nations to continue developing bilateral relations: diplomatically, in the economic field, and in the area of defence cooperation.”

In closing, the minister highlighted the strengths of the South Korean industry: “I wish to commend your industry for its competitive prices, superior quality, and very fast delivery, which is highly crucial under the current circumstances.”

The Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Korea, Ahn Gyu-back, said that the Chunmoo procurement is being closely monitored in South Korea and described the agreement as a “culmination” of cooperation between the two nations, which are geographically distant but similar in their historical paths of fighting for security and independence.”

“We are located at opposite ends of the world, but we share common elements of history. We are situated in strategically important geopolitical spaces, yet our peoples possess a strong spirit that has enabled them to preserve their identity,” the Korean minister said.

Billy Boo-Hwan Lee, the CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, emphasized that the company wishes to “continue and deepen cooperation with Croatia” and will “focus on the transfer of technology and knowledge.” He referred to Croatia as a “long-term partner” and expressed hope that South Korea’s defence industry would “find its place” here.

Adam Bartosiewicz, Vice President of WB Electronics, said that the signing of the contract was another indication that Europe is demonstrating its responsibility for security by investing in defence capabilities and strengthening partnerships with other countries that share the responsibility for maintaining security.

K239 Chunmoo Self-Propelled Rocket Launchers and Command and Control System (C2)

The Croatian Ministry of Defence is acquiring 18 K239 Chunmoo self-propelled rocket launchers and associated rocket ammunition from Hanwha Aerospace, while the contract with WB Electronics ensures the delivery, installation, and integration of the command and control system.

The total procurement value is EUR 435.2 million excluding VAT. Implementation is scheduled for the period from 2026 to 2029, with the delivery of the entire package within 24 to 36 months. By 2028, 85 per cent of the Chunmoo rocket system will have been delivered to Croatia.

This procurement follows a Total Package Approach and consists of launchers, ammunition, ammunition transport vehicles, fire control centres, training and technical documentation, simulation training rocket pods, rocket test equipment, and an initial stock of spare parts. The procurement of the launch system and ammunition is being contracted with the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, while the procurement of the command and control (C2) system, which connects all elements of the system, is being contracted with the Polish company WB Electronics.

The K239 Chunmoo is a modern rocket system that provides rapid and flexible fire support across a wide range of missions. One of its key features is the ability to simultaneously carry two rocket pods on a single launcher, including pods containing different types of ammunition, allowing for engagement across various ranges and against different types of targets.

The system is designed for precision strikes against tactical targets, concentrations of forces, facilities, and high-value targets deep within enemy lines. With its introduction, the Croatian Armed Forces will further strengthen their fire support and precision strike capabilities, enhancing overall combat readiness.

The introduction of the South Korean system will significantly increase the range and precision of Croatian rocket artillery compared to current systems.

By signing contracts with Hanwha Aerospace and WB Electronics, Croatia has secured a comprehensive solution that, in addition to the delivery of launchers and rocket ammunition, includes the integration of a command and control system, thereby establishing the prerequisites for the effective introduction of this new capability into the Croatian Armed Forces’ operational service.

Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Korea
The Memorandum of Understanding between the two ministries provides a framework for strengthening defence cooperation in the areas of defence industry, military-technical cooperation, training, exercises, education, research, and technology.