Seoul: South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace Co. has entered into a significant agreement, sealing a deal to export 18 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Croatia. This arms contract, valued at approximately 640 billion won (US$477 million), marks a pivotal step in defense trade between the two nations, as announced by the state arms procurement agency.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this 410 million-euro contract represents the first major arms transaction between South Korea and Croatia. Beyond the immediate benefits of the arms deal, this agreement is expected to pave the way for enhanced partnerships in areas such as industrial cooperation and military logistics support, as highlighted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
With this acquisition, Croatia becomes the fourth European nation to procure the Chunmoo system, joining Poland, Estonia, and Norway. The Chunmoo rocket launchers are a key component of South Korea's artillery arsenal, primarily developed to counteract the long-range artillery and multiple rocket launchers of North Korea.
The system features an operational range extending up to 80 kilometers, enabling both precision strikes and cluster attacks to neutralize enemy targets across extensive areas.
The official signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, alongside other government officials and representatives from Hanwha.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Ahn emphasized the significance of the Chunmoo system in enhancing Croatia's defense capabilities. He also expressed optimism about the potential for deeper cooperation between South Korea and Croatia in defense and security sectors.
In addition, Ahn and Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense partnership. This MOU is set to establish a structured framework for advancing defense relations through ongoing working-level dialogues and various other collaborative channels, as reported by Seoul's defense ministry.