Hanwha Aerospace will deliver six Chunmoo launchers along with three types of guided rockets offering ranges of approximately 80 km, 160 km, and 290 km. The agreement was formally signed on December 21 (local time) in Tallinn, with senior officials from both governments in attendance, including Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Acting Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments Kerttu Lausap, Vice Minister of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Kang Hwan-seok, KOTRA President Kang Kyung-sung, and Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il.

Under the contract, Hanwha Aerospace will deliver six Chunmoo launchers along with three types of guided rockets offering ranges of approximately 80 km, 160 km, and 290 km. The agreement goes beyond platform delivery, encompassing a full-package solution that includes logistics support, training, and local production of selected components, as well as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) cooperation with Estonian industry.

This localization strategy reflects Hanwha’s response to Europe’s growing defense industrial “block formation” and aligns with NATO members’ emphasis on supply-chain resilience and domestic industrial participation.

Industry observers point to the strong foundation laid by the successful export and operation of the K9 Thunder as a decisive factor in the deal. Estonia’s confidence in Korean defense systems was further reinforced by close government-to-government cooperation, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Korean and Estonian Ministries of Defence in October to facilitate Chunmoo acquisition.

“The Chunmoo program is a clear example of how proven battlefield performance, combined with active defense diplomacy, can generate tangible export results,” a defense industry source noted.

With the Estonian contract secured, Hanwha Aerospace plans to actively market the Chunmoo system across Northern Europe and the wider Baltic region, including Norway, Latvia, and Lithuania.

The company aims to position Chunmoo as its second global bestseller, following the K9, amid rising demand for long-range precision fires driven by the evolving security environment in Europe.

Acting Director General Lausap stated, “In a rapidly changing security landscape, the ability to respond swiftly and decisively is a top priority for Estonia. The introduction of Chunmoo will significantly enhance our national defense capabilities.”

CEO Son Jae-il added, “Following the K9, we are deeply grateful for the renewed trust shown by the Estonian government and armed forces in Hanwha’s defense solutions. Working closely with the Korean government, we will continue to expand into new markets and lead the sustainable growth of Korea’s defense industry.”

The Chunmoo deal underscores the accelerating momentum of K-defense exports in Europe, as Korean systems gain recognition for their performance, cost-effectiveness, and rapid delivery timelines.

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk

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