> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Croatia Accelerates HIMARS as 18 Chunmoo Launchers Follow - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/croatia-accelerates-himars-as-18-chunmoo-launchers-follow/ - Published: 2026-09-22T07:00:46.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T07:00:45.000Z - Description: Croatia has accelerated HIMARS deliveries to late 2027 or early 2028 while adding 18 K239 Chunmoo launchers and negotiating missiles beyond 150 km. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: Croatia, SEE, Hanwha Aerospace, Industry Croatia has accelerated the planned delivery of eight M142 HIMARS launchers to late 2027 or early 2028 while simultaneously adding 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo systems to its rocket artillery. Zagreb is also finalizing negotiations for HIMARS missiles with a range exceeding 150 kilometers, potentially adding another layer to a modernization program that will introduce 26 modern rocket launchers. The revised HIMARS schedule moves delivery forward from the third quarter of 2028\. Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić reached the accelerated timeline during meetings with U.S. representatives in Alabama on September 15, according to the Croatian Ministry of Defense. The development follows Croatia’s September agreement for 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers from Hanwha Aerospace. Rather than selecting one rocket artillery platform, Croatia is moving toward operating both U.S. and South Korean systems as it replaces older rocket artillery and expands its precision fires capability. ## Eight HIMARS could reach Croatia by early 2028 The Croatian Ministry of Defense said the eight HIMARS systems are now expected in late 2027 or early 2028\. The previous delivery schedule called for their arrival in the third quarter of 2028\. The U.S. State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Croatia in August 2024 with an estimated value of $390 million. The approved package included eight M142 HIMARS launchers, 24 M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Alternative Warhead pods and 24 M31A2 GMLRS Unitary High Explosive pods. The package also included command-and-control vehicles, communications equipment, practice rockets, the International Field Artillery Tactical Data System, training and logistics support. Lockheed Martin was identified as the principal contractor. A potentially more consequential development is now taking place outside that original package. The Croatian Ministry of Defense said negotiations are in their final stages for HIMARS missiles with a range exceeding 150 kilometers. The ministry has not publicly identified the missile type, quantity, price or final range, so the eventual configuration remains unconfirmed. That distinction matters. The publicly approved 2024 U.S. package covers GMLRS ammunition, while the longer-range missile procurement remains under negotiation. ## Croatia adds 18 Chunmoo launchers alongside HIMARS Croatia is developing its second modern rocket artillery component around Hanwha Aerospace’s K239 Chunmoo. The Croatian government approved the acquisition of 18 launchers at a total procurement value of €435.2 million excluding VAT. The wider package covers launchers, rocket ammunition, ammunition transport vehicles, fire control centers, training, documentation, simulation equipment, test equipment and initial spare parts. Hanwha Aerospace values its portion of the contract at €411.8 million. It will supply 18 launchers, ammunition carriers, fire direction command vehicles, integrated logistics support and multiple types of precision-guided rockets for short-, medium- and long-range missions. Hanwha says deliveries will continue through 2030\. The Croatian Ministry of Defense has provided a more detailed implementation profile, stating that 85 percent of the system should be delivered by 2028 and the complete package within 24 to 36 months. This means the buildup of Croatia’s HIMARS and Chunmoo fleets could begin to overlap from 2028. If both procurements are completed in their currently announced quantities, the Croatian Armed Forces will operate **26 modern multiple rocket launchers: eight HIMARS and 18 Chunmoo**. ## Polish TOPAZ will provide the Chunmoo command-and-control layer Croatia’s Chunmoo configuration also includes a significant Polish component. Zagreb contracted WB Electronics to deliver, install and integrate the command-and-control system connecting the elements of the new rocket artillery capability. Hanwha identifies the selected system as the **TOPAZ battlefield management system developed by Poland’s WB Group**. TOPAZ already has a connection to the wider European Chunmoo ecosystem through Poland. Hanwha says its inclusion in the Croatian configuration will support interoperability among European users of the launcher. Croatia’s Chunmoo program therefore combines a South Korean launcher and missile family with a Polish command-and-control architecture. For the Croatian Armed Forces, this creates a different technical and industrial ecosystem from HIMARS, which uses U.S. ammunition, fire-control and support infrastructure. ## Croatia moves beyond legacy rocket artillery The two procurements represent a substantial change in the scale and composition of Croatian rocket artillery. Croatia is acquiring Chunmoo to replace its older Vulkan and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems. The new equipment introduces guided ammunition, longer engagement ranges and digital command-and-control capabilities that were not available at the same level in the legacy force. The HIMARS procurement adds a second precision rocket artillery system that is already widely used by NATO members. Operating two launcher families also creates practical requirements. Croatia will need trained crews, separate maintenance arrangements, ammunition stocks and logistics chains for both systems. The benefit is access to two separate ammunition and supply ecosystems. The exact operational division between HIMARS and Chunmoo has not yet been publicly detailed by the Croatian Ministry of Defense. That question becomes more important as Zagreb moves toward longer-range ammunition. The current U.S. approval covers GMLRS ammunition, while Croatia is separately negotiating missiles exceeding 150 kilometers in range. Chunmoo will arrive with multiple types of precision-guided rockets covering different mission ranges. By the end of the decade, Croatia could therefore move from a legacy rocket artillery force to one centered on two modern precision fires systems, with 26 launchers and multiple ammunition types. The next major development to watch is the conclusion of Croatia’s U.S. long-range missile negotiations. The missile type, quantity and delivery schedule will determine how the HIMARS component fits alongside the larger Chunmoo fleet. ### Q&A: Croatia’s HIMARS and Chunmoo programs ### How many HIMARS launchers is Croatia buying? Croatia is acquiring eight M142 HIMARS launchers from the United States. The original U.S. Foreign Military Sale package was estimated at $390 million and included GMLRS ammunition, communications, command-and-control equipment, training and support. ### When will Croatia receive HIMARS? The Croatian Ministry of Defense said on September 16, 2026, that delivery had been accelerated from the third quarter of 2028 to **late 2027 or early 2028**. ### Is Croatia buying long-range missiles for HIMARS? Croatia is negotiating a separate acquisition of missiles with a range exceeding 150 kilometers. The Ministry of Defense says negotiations are in their final stages but has not publicly confirmed the missile type or quantity. ### How many Chunmoo launchers will Croatia receive? Croatia has contracted for **18 K239 Chunmoo launchers**. Hanwha Aerospace says deliveries will continue through 2030, while Croatia expects 85 percent of the system to be delivered by 2028\.