The governments of South Korea and Estonia signed yesterday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that could pave the way for the sale of new K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher (MRLS) systems to the Estonian Defence Forces. The document was signed last Thursday by South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his Estonian counterpart Hanno Pevkur during a bilateral meeting held in Seoul within the framework of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025).
The signed MoU formalizes the commitment of both parties to support the launch of an acquisition plan by Estonia for the K239 Chunmoo system developed by the company Hanwha Aerospace. Although details regarding the number of units, amounts, or delivery schedules have not yet been revealed, the signing marks the beginning of a cooperation process that could replicate the industrial partnership model already established between South Korea and European countries such as Poland. The latter is currently in the process of incorporating and receiving K2 Black Panther main battle tanks, K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, and K239 Chunmoo MRLS systems as part of its large-scale industrial cooperation program.
For its part, Estonia — as a NATO member and one of the European users of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer — has in recent years expressed its intention to expand the long-range strike capabilities of its artillery amid increasing tensions in Eastern Europe and the Baltics through the adoption of new platforms.
It is worth recalling that the first K9 Thunder units arrived in the country in 2020 as part of the acquisition of 24 units. This number was increased in mid-2023, when the purchase of a second batch of artillery combat vehicles was confirmed, bringing the Estonian fleet to a total of 36 units. In this sense, the potential acquisition of the K239 Chunmoo would significantly reinforce the country’s Defence Forces’ strike capabilities and increase interoperability with similar systems already in service with other allied nations.
According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the possible acquisition of the Chunmoo will be carried out in a complementary manner to the U.S.-made HIMARS systems. Currently, Estonia already operates HIMARS systems delivered by the United States at the beginning of 2025, which would allow both rocket launchers — the HIMARS and the Chunmoo — to operate complementarily, increasing the range and capabilities of its guided and unguided rocket artillery segment.
Finally, it is important to note that, within the framework of these efforts, the Estonian Defence Forces received on August 6 the second batch of six CAESAR Mk1 6×6 self-propelled howitzers, complementing the batch of twelve acquired from France and produced by KNDS. These additions, together with the K9 Thunder, the HIMARS, and the future Chunmoo, would consolidate a modern and diversified artillery fleet, adapted to the requirements and needs that the situation in Eastern Europe is currently demanding.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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