Croatia’s K239 Chunmoo to Extend Strike Reach Beyond 300 Km

Croatia expects its incoming K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems to provide a strike capability beyond 300 kilometers, adding a new long-range layer to the Croatian Armed Forces alongside the previously ordered M142 HIMARS. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić said the South Korean system can reach beyond 300 kilometers and indicated that its maximum potential range could extend to 500 kilometers.

The statement provides new detail on the capability Croatia expects from its planned fleet of 18 K239 Chunmoo launchers. The Croatian government approved the €435.2 million acquisition, excluding VAT, on September 4, with the package covering launchers, rocket ammunition and supporting equipment.

Croatia plans a strike capability beyond 300 kilometers

Anušić outlined the expected range during an interview with Croatian public broadcaster HRT following the government decision. He said Croatia would have access to a range exceeding 300 kilometers and cited 500 kilometers as the upper potential reach of the system.

The distinction between launcher capability and the ammunition Croatia will actually receive remains important. The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the procurement includes rocket ammunition, but it has not publicly disclosed the number, types or individual ranges of the missiles included in the Croatian package.

K239 Chunmoo uses a modular launcher architecture capable of employing different types of ammunition. The launcher carries two rocket pods, allowing operators to configure the system for different ranges and target sets.

Croatia is acquiring 18 launchers from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace. A separate agreement with Poland’s WB Electronics covers delivery, installation and integration of a command-and-control system.

The Croatian government valued the complete procurement at €544.05 million including VAT. Payments are scheduled between 2026 and 2029, while the Ministry of Defense has said delivery of the complete package is expected within 24 to 36 months.

Chunmoo will operate alongside Croatia’s eight HIMARS launchers

The K239 Chunmoo will not replace Croatia’s planned M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System fleet. Instead, the Croatian Armed Forces intend to operate both systems, creating a mixed long-range rocket artillery force.

Croatia previously ordered eight M142 HIMARS launchers from the United States. Adding 18 Chunmoo launchers would bring the planned inventory of modern long-range rocket artillery launchers to 26 vehicles.

Anušić said operating the two systems would provide different capabilities while reducing dependence on a single equipment and supply chain. He also linked the approach to greater resilience in maintenance, spare parts procurement and operational availability.

The combination is significant because launcher numbers alone do not define long-range strike capability. The available ammunition, target acquisition network, command-and-control architecture, logistics and missile inventories determine how effectively the systems can generate sustained precision fires.

For Croatia, the disclosed Chunmoo range also introduces a substantially deeper strike layer than the approximately 80-kilometer class ammunition publicly associated with its initial HIMARS procurement.

Zagreb is building a broader long-range fires network

The Chunmoo acquisition forms part of a wider modernization of Croatian land and air capabilities rather than an isolated artillery procurement.

Croatia is also moving ahead with additional capabilities for its 12 Dassault Aviation Rafale fighters. The government approved work associated with bringing the aircraft from their current F3-R configuration toward additional F4-standard capabilities, including new detection and self-protection systems.

At the same time, Croatia is upgrading its military communications infrastructure and modernizing the AN/FPS-117 radar system. Taken together, these programs expand the sensors, communications and strike systems available to the Croatian Armed Forces.

The operational effect of the Chunmoo procurement will depend heavily on which missile variants Croatia receives. Until Zagreb or Hanwha Aerospace identifies the ammunition package, a precise assessment of the future Croatian force should distinguish between the maximum capabilities of the Chunmoo family and the capabilities actually contracted by Croatia.

Anušić has nevertheless framed the acquisition in regional terms, arguing that the new system changes the military balance in Croatia’s neighborhood. From a capability perspective, the clearest measurable change is that Croatia plans to move from legacy rocket artillery toward a force of 26 modern HIMARS and Chunmoo launchers, with the government now publicly stating that the Chunmoo component will provide a strike range beyond 300 kilometers.

South Korean reporting indicates that Hanwha Aerospace is expected to sign the export contract with Croatia on September 8. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.

Croatia K239 Chunmoo: Key questions

What range will Croatia’s K239 Chunmoo have?

Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić said the system will provide Croatia with a range exceeding 300 kilometers and indicated that the Chunmoo family can potentially reach up to 500 kilometers. The exact missile variants included in Croatia’s procurement have not yet been publicly disclosed.

How many K239 Chunmoo launchers is Croatia buying?

Croatia is acquiring 18 K239 Chunmoo launchers from Hanwha Aerospace as part of a €435.2 million package excluding VAT. The total approved value including VAT is €544.05 million.

Will K239 Chunmoo replace Croatia’s HIMARS?

No. Croatia plans to operate 18 K239 Chunmoo launchers alongside eight M142 HIMARS launchers already ordered from the United States, creating a planned force of 26 modern long-range rocket artillery launchers.

When will Croatia receive K239 Chunmoo?

The Croatian Ministry of Defense expects delivery of the complete package within 24 to 36 months. South Korean reporting indicates that deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, with the export contract expected to be signed on September 8, 2026.