On December 21, Estonia and South Korea finalized a new defense agreement. The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments contracted approximately €290 million with Hanwha Aerospace for six K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems. The ceremony came after Estonia’s prior acquisition of Hanwha K9 howitzers and is intended to enhance its long-range strike capabilities. Hanwha CEO Jae-il Son said the agreement answers an urgent need to reinforce security in the Baltic region.
Estonia acquires Chunmoo rocket artillery systems from Hanwha Aerospace. (Estonian Centre for Defence Investments)
The contract includes the six truck-mounted Chunmoo launchers plus all required missiles, training, and support. It specifies three types of guided rockets: an 80km-range CGR-080 rocket, a mid-range CTM-MR rocket, and a long-range CTM-290 missile. These give Estonia a “ladder” of strike options from shorter tactical fires up to deep-attack missiles. Hanwha will also invest in Estonia’s defense industry, bringing about €40–60 million of industrial work to the country over the next decade.
Chunmoo is an advanced 8×8 wheeled rocket artillery system known for its rapid and precise fire. It carries twin launcher pods, allowing it to fire different rockets at once. For example, one pod could hold short-range rockets while the other fires a 290km-range missile, effectively doubling on-target firepower. The system can launch 239mm guided rockets and missiles, giving a deep-strike punch that complements Estonia’s existing HIMARS units.
Deliveries are expected to begin around 2027. The deal includes full crew training and operational support. Hanwha has agreed an MOU with Estonian partners to localize maintenance and spares, ensuring the Chunmoos stay mission-ready. The company even expanded its production: it delivered over 1,000 rockets to Poland in one year by boosting capacity.
K239 Chunmoo (ROK Army)
Estonian officials emphasize the strategic purpose. The country borders Russia and needs weapons capable of striking deep into an enemy’s rear. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur noted that Estonia “already has deep-strike capability in the form of HIMARS, but creating a second complementary system is extremely necessary,” adding that Chunmoo’s roughly 300km range (extendable toward 500km) will be vital. Deputy ECDI chief Katri Raudsepp called the acquisition “an essential step in strengthening Estonia’s defense posture”.
Allied cooperation is also in play. Poland is already a Chunmoo user, and Hanwha reports delivering over a thousand rockets to Poland last year. Estonia is tying the program into NATO networks: Tallinn has invited Hanwha to set up a local service center and even plans a defense industry park with South Korean involvement. The Chunmoo deal adds powerful long-range firepower to Estonia’s army and strengthens defense ties among NATO partners.