The role of artillery has been intensified and proven since the war in Ukraine, with artillery emerging as a substitute for airstrikes. This is why more and more countries are looking to acquire advanced long-range precision-guided fires.
Norway is one such country, as the Nordic country has doubled its military budget over the next 12 years in a historic boost in defense spending earlier this year, emphasizing long-range precision firepower.
Aimed at acquiring 16 multiple rocket launchers, Norway issued a Request for Information for its Long Range Precision Fire System procurement in January 2024 to receive proposals from several companies around the globe, with the aim of selecting a preferred bidder by the year’s end.
Hanwha Aerospace is one of the leading contenders, offering its K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS). The Chunmoo MRLS is often compared to the HIMARS rocket launcher, developed by U.S. Lockheed Martin, due to its similarity in performance, while having the advantage of cheaper costs, and faster delivery time.
Firing more and more powerful rockets
While both Chunmoo and HIMARS can launch several kinds of rockets, the former has a clear advantage of launching more rockets from two launch pods compared to a single pod for HIMARS. The Chunmoo can fire 239mm and 280mm rockets, with a range of 80km and 160km, respectively. It can also launch a 290mm ballistic missile with a maximum range of 290km.
The rocket pod can launch six 239mm rockets in 30 seconds, and a total of 12 rockets in one minute, with reloading two rocket pods being made in seven minutes. The CTM-160 rocket is currently in development to be completed by 2026 and delivery is possible from 2027, where 4 rockets are loaded in a single pod.
The CTM-290 missile has had several successful tests with the most recent successful test launch from a Polish variant of Chunmoo in April 2024 at a state-run test site of the South Korean military in April 2024.
K239 CHUNMOO MRLS
Integration of the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), developed by Boeing and Saab, into the Chunmoo is also being considered in response to potential requirements from European customers.
The launch vehicle is based on an 8×8 truck chassis with an armored cab protecting its 3-man crew from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters as well as providing NBC protection. The vehicle can climb 60% slopes and is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, run-flat tires, and a central tire inflation system.
Each Chunmoo launcher is paired with a K239T Ammunition Supply Vehicle which uses the same type of chassis but with a cargo deck and carries up to four reload pods.
