Hanwha Aerospace unveils Chunmoo MRLS’ anti-ship ballistic missile capability at ADAS 2024.

At the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2024 exhibition, the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace is showcasing the K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) capable of launching an Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM). According to the company, this effort focuses on providing comprehensive information to the Philippine Army and other potential clients about the functionalities and applications of these systems.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Chunmoo is capable of firing multiple types of rockets, including 130mm and 239mm calibers, and can switch between different rocket pods to adapt to various mission requirements. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

The K239 Chunmoo MRLS, operational since 2014, was developed by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to meet evolving defense requirements. It is designed with a multi-caliber rocket launching capability, allowing for rapid adaptation to different mission profiles. This flexibility makes it applicable for a variety of scenarios, including neutralizing enemy fire support and targeting high-value objectives in different environments.

The K239 incorporates a GPS/INS hybrid navigation system, which enables a high level of precision, even against moving targets, thereby enhancing accuracy and effectiveness in dynamic situations. Chunmoo's ability to launch both guided and unguided munitions further contributes to its adaptability across a range of tactical roles. The dual-launcher configuration increases firepower, permitting the deployment of more rockets from a single platform, which provides greater operational efficiency and flexibility.

In addition to its current capabilities, Hanwha Aerospace is advancing the Chunmoo MRLS with the development of an Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM), which is anticipated to be completed by 2027. The ASBM is being developed to address defense requirements for countries with extensive coastlines, like the Philippines, offering a cost-effective option for coastal defense compared to traditional cruise missiles. This missile aims to enhance maritime defense capabilities, making the system applicable to nations with both land and maritime defense needs.

Poland is acquiring over 200 Chunmoo units, integrating them onto local platforms like the Jelcz 882.57 to develop the Polish variant known as Homar-K. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Chunmoo system has been actively used by the South Korean Army and Marine Corps, and it has attracted interest on an international scale. For example, Poland has decided to acquire over 200 units, integrating the launcher onto local platforms, such as the Homar-K, and customizing fire control systems to fit their national defense strategies. Comparatively, the Chunmoo system has been evaluated alongside the American M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).

While both systems offer advanced artillery capabilities, the Chunmoo features a dual-launcher setup that effectively doubles the missile capacity of its counterpart, supported by an 8x8 vehicle chassis, enabling more varied and sustained engagement options. Moreover, the Chunmoo is capable of firing multiple types of rockets, including 130mm and 239mm calibers, and can switch between different rocket pods to adapt to various mission requirements. This flexibility allows it to engage a wide range of targets at varying distances, offering greater operational adaptability.

The Chunmoo MRLS offers several features that may be relevant to the Philippines' defense objectives. Its multi-caliber capability allows for engagement against both stationary and moving targets, addressing various operational requirements. The system’s ability to deploy within 5 minutes enhances responsiveness, a critical factor in dynamic combat scenarios. Furthermore, Hanwha Aerospace provides opportunities for local industries to participate in the production and maintenance of these systems, potentially contributing to self-reliance and capability development within the Philippine defense sector. Additionally, the Chunmoo offers a cost-effective and timely alternative, especially in situations where extended delivery times for other systems are a concern.

The launcher component can handle two pods simultaneously, with a launch coverage of 194 degrees and an elevation range from 0 to 60 degrees. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Chunmoo MRLS features a modular design, enabling the launch of various types of rockets and missiles with precision-guided capabilities. It is compatible with a range of C4 systems, providing operational flexibility. The tactical vehicle module has a combat weight of 31 tons, accommodating a crew of three, plus two additional personnel for ammunition handling. The vehicle is powered by a 450-horsepower engine, allowing a maximum speed of 80 km/h, and has a cruising range of up to 480 km. The launcher component can handle two pods simultaneously, with a launch coverage of 194 degrees and an elevation range from 0 to 60 degrees. Its launcher speed is rated at 2.5 seconds, facilitating efficient target engagement.

Based on the same 8x8 chassis, the ammunition carrier of the Chunmoo MRLS features an articulated hydraulic crane and has a loading capacity of 4 pods with a maximum payload of 10 tons, allowing readiness for prolonged engagements. The system incorporates several features to improve its survivability and adaptability, such as ballistic and Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection, along with a run-flat tire system, a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), and an anti-lock brake system (ABS).

The K239 Chunmoo is powered by a 450-horsepower engine, allowing a maximum speed of 80 km/h, and has a cruising range of up to 480 km. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

The Chunmoo offers three primary ammunition options: the CTM-290, the CTM-MR, and the CGR-80, each equipped with GPS/INS guidance systems to enhance accuracy. The CTM-290, featuring a high-explosive fragmentation warhead with blast/fragmentation propellant, can strike targets within a range of 80 to 290 km, maintaining a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 9 meters.

The CTM-MR, also featuring a high-explosive fragmentation warhead with composite propellant, offers an operational range of 50 to 160 km, with a similar CEP of 9 meters, and is deployed from a single pod. The CGR-80, with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, offers an effective range of up to 30~80 km, with the same 15-meter CEP. Each round is launched from a pod containing up to 6 rounds. All three munitions are classified under the United Nations (UN) number 0181 and the NATO Munitions Designation Code (MDC) 1.1E, ensuring consistency with international standards.

The Chunmoo offers three primary ammunition options: the CTM-290, the CTM-MR, and the CGR-80, each equipped with GPS/INS guidance systems to enhance accuracy. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)