Australian officer comments South Korean K239 Chunmoo's first overseas live-fire drill.

On July 24, 2023, in an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Australian Brigadier Damian Hill commented on the South Korean-made K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system's performance as it took part in the biennial and multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 in Australia.
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K239 Chunmoo MLRS launching a 239 mm guided rocket (Picture source: Wikimedia)

South Korea initially participated in the biennial exercise Talisman Sabre as an observer in 2019 before becoming a full-fledged participant in 2021. This year's exercise stands as the largest of its kind ever, encompassing various drills such as amphibious landings, ground force maneuvers, air combat, and maritime operations. This year's Talisman Sabre exercise takes place against the backdrop of growing security uncertainties arising from geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China, as well as North Korea's provocative acts, including recent cruise missile launches.

Notably, this marks the first overseas live-fire drills for the Chunmoo system with the Marine Corps, signifying Seoul's commitment to bolstering its involvement in the exercise and promoting its homegrown weapons system to potential buyers. Brigadier Hill's assessment of the Chunmoo system coincides with Seoul's efforts to strengthen arms industry cooperation with Canberra. Australia has emerged as a crucial market for South Korea's defense industry, with Hanwha Defense, a local defense firm, signing a contract in December 2021 to supply 30 K9 self-propelled howitzers to Australia by 2027.

The exercise provides a platform for the Chunmoo system to demonstrate its firepower as South Korea aims to expand its share in the global weapons market. Last year, the country set the goal of becoming the world's fourth-largest defense exporter by 2027 after securing significant arms deals with Poland, including a US$3.55 billion contract for the supply of Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers.

The K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a South Korean advanced multi-caliber MLRS developed by the Hanwha Corporation. The system is designed to provide the armed forces with enhanced firepower, precision, and mobility in various combat scenarios. With a maximum range of 160 kilometers, the Chunmoo system plays a crucial role in countering threats from North Korea's long-range artillery, earning its Korean name, "Chunmoo," which translates to "covering the sky."

The K239 Chunmoo MLRS can fire three types of munitions: 130, 227, and 239mm rockets and missiles. The Chunmoo MLRS can carry multiple rocket pods, allowing for a mix of munitions to be fired in a single mission. This flexibility enables the system to engage a wide range of targets and respond to various threats on the battlefield.

The system also features advanced guidance and targeting capabilities, including GPS and inertial navigation systems, which ensure high accuracy and precision. Additionally, the Chunmoo MLRS is equipped with a modern fire control system and can be integrated with other command and control systems, allowing for efficient coordination with other military units.