Exclusive: Saudi Arabia's K239 Chunmoo Launchers Now Armed with South Korea's CTM-290 Ballistic Missiles.

Recent imagery shared on @mason_8718's X social media platforms has revealed that Saudi Arabia's K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) are now equipped with the CTM-290 tactical ballistic missile. This development marks the first public instance of the K239 system in Saudi Arabia being configured with the CTM-290 missile pods, highlighting a significant enhancement in the kingdom's long-range strike capabilities.
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Saudi Arabia's K239 Chunmoo rocket and missile launcher on display at WDS 2024, showcasing its capability to launch South Korea's CTM-290 tactical missiles. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The K239 Chunmoo, developed by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, is a versatile and advanced MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) designed to deliver a range of munitions with high precision. The system can launch various types of rockets and missiles, including 130mm and 227mm unguided rockets, 239mm guided rockets, and 600mm tactical ballistic missiles such as the CTM-290. This multi-caliber capability allows the K239 to adapt to diverse combat scenarios, providing flexibility in both range and payload.

The CTM-290 is a 600mm tactical ballistic missile designed for integration with the K239 Chunmoo system. It features a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and utilizes a GPS/INS hybrid navigation system, ensuring high precision even against moving targets. The CTM-290 has an operational range of up to 290 kilometers and maintains a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of approximately 9 meters, making it a formidable asset for long-range precision strikes.

Saudi Arabia has been progressively enhancing its artillery capabilities by acquiring advanced systems like the K239 Chunmoo. In March 2022, the kingdom reportedly purchased the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system. The recent deployment of the K239 equipped with CTM-290 missiles signifies a strategic advancement in Saudi Arabia's defense posture, significantly boosting its long-range strike and deterrence capabilities.

The integration of the CTM-290 missile into Saudi Arabia's K239 systems aligns with similar regional developments. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also been observed deploying the K239 system with ballistic missile pods, indicating a regional trend towards bolstering long-range precision strike capabilities. These advancements reflect a broader strategic initiative among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to modernize their military assets in response to evolving security dynamics.

The sighting of Saudi Arabia's K239 Chunmoo MLRS configured with CTM-290 tactical ballistic missiles underscores a significant enhancement in the kingdom's military capabilities. This development not only strengthens Saudi Arabia's defense infrastructure but also contributes to the broader regional security architecture, reflecting a commitment to maintaining stability and deterrence in the Middle East.