Croatia has approved a €544.1 million purchase of 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple-rocket launchers from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to replace aging M-92 Vulkan and BM-21 Grad systems. The deal includes launchers, ammunition and a WB Group command-and-control system, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 to 2029. Officials cited faster delivery times (24–36 months), lower costs and industrial cooperation as key reasons for choosing Chunmoo. The move complements recent purchases of HIMARS launchers and Rafale fighters as part of Croatia's wider military modernization.
Croatia Orders 18 South Korean Chunmoo Launchers in €544M Deal to Modernize Artillery
The K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system fires a munition. (Courtesy of Hanwha Defense)
The Croatian government has approved the purchase of 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple-rocket launchers from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace in a deal valued at roughly €544.1 million (about $632 million). The acquisition, announced from Warsaw, Poland, is part of a broader effort to modernize Croatia's artillery and to replace aging Yugoslav- and Soviet-era rocket systems.
What the Deal Covers
Under the contract, Hanwha Aerospace will supply launchers, ammunition and associated equipment. Poland-based WB Group, a partner of Hanwha, will deliver a command-and-control system to integrate the launchers, munitions and supporting systems into a single operational unit. Deliveries to the Croatian Armed Forces are scheduled between 2026 and 2029.
Why Croatia Chose the Chunmoo
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić said Croatia — along with other European buyers such as Poland, Estonia and Norway — selected the Chunmoo because of its relatively short delivery window, competitive price and the supplier's openness to industrial cooperation. Anušić highlighted delivery timelines of roughly 24 to 36 months, improved availability and lower costs as decisive factors.
"Due to the relatively short delivery times of 24 to 36 months, better availability, lower prices, [and] openness to industrial cooperation, European countries are increasingly deciding to equip themselves with this unique system," Anušić said in the government statement.
Operational Impact and Context
The Chunmoo launchers are intended to replace Croatia's older M-92 Vulkan and BM-21 Grad rocket systems. Officials say the upgrade will significantly improve the Croatian Army's range, accuracy and interoperability with NATO partners.
Separately, in December 2024 Zagreb approved the purchase of eight HIMARS launchers from the United States for about $351 million. Together with the 2021 acquisition of 12 second-hand Dassault Rafale F3-R fighters from France, these procurements represent one of the most significant modernisation efforts in Croatia since its 1990s war of independence.
Regional Supply Concerns
Amid recent regional tensions involving Iran, the U.S. government has warned of potential delays in deliveries of certain military equipment — including HIMARS ammunition — to some countries. Those warnings have prompted several NATO eastern-flank members to diversify suppliers and accelerate local integration and industrial cooperation.
Timeline: Contract signed/approved in 2025 (as announced); deliveries planned 2026–2029. Estimated value: €544.1 million (~$632M).
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