Zagreb has authorized the procurement of 18 K239 Chunmoo MLRS platforms in a deal valued at roughly €435.2 million before VAT. The program will replace Croatia’s older Soviet-designed SVLR Vulkan and BM-21 Grad launchers and provide the Croatian Army with a much greater long-range fires capability. Chunmoo can employ different classes of rockets and missiles, with maximum engagement ranges reaching approximately 300 kilometres depending on the weapon used. Croatia’s current systems are limited to around 20 kilometres. Under the planned arrangement, Hanwha Aerospace will deliver the launch vehicles and ammunition, while Poland’s WB Electronics will install and integrate the command-and-control architecture. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2029, with the government projecting full completion within 24 to 36 months. Reports suggest most of the systems could be delivered by 2028. Croatia originally pursued HIMARS, for which Washington approved a possible eight-launcher sale in 2024. However, concerns over access to longer-range HIMARS ammunition reportedly encouraged Zagreb to look elsewhere. The Chunmoo offered advantages in delivery timelines, pricing, and ammunition variety, while regional security developments also influenced the decision. The system is mounted on an 8×8 high-mobility truck and uses two interchangeable launch pods. It can fire up to eight rockets in a salvo in under a minute. Its digital navigation and fire-control systems enable precision and networked operations, while automated reload capability and rapid relocation improve battlefield survivability.
