Croatia’s Defense Minister Says Chunmoo Purchase Will Shift Regional Balance

Croatia will acquire 18 K239 Chunmoo launchers, Defense Minister Ivan Anušić said, describing the purchase as part of a wider effort to equip and modernize the armed forces.

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It was chosen because it is compatible with NATO standards, affordable and much more lethal, and it meets all our needs. Chunmoo has a range of more than 300 kilometers, and Croatia will have that capability. The total range can be up to 500 kilometers. Croatia has ordered 18 launchers, carrying rockets of up to 607 millimeters in caliber. The delivery deadline is very short, and at this point this weapon fully equalizes the balance of power in the region.

Speaking on Croatian public broadcaster HRT, Anušić said the South Korean system was chosen because it meets NATO standards, offers an acceptable price and provides the capabilities Croatia needs. He said the Chunmoo has a range of more than 300 kilometers, with a possible total range of up to 500 kilometers, and can carry rockets of up to 607 millimeters in caliber. He also said the delivery timetable is short.

Croatia plans to operate the Chunmoo alongside U.S.-made HIMARS systems. Anušić said the two systems would provide different capabilities and reduce dependence on a single manufacturer. He also cited easier maintenance, equipment procurement and access to spare parts as advantages of using more than one supplier in the same weapons segment.

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Both systems are compatible in operation, and we will have different capabilities. We will make maintenance and equipment procurement easier, while also having a reserve position in case of any problem with operation or the supply of spare parts.

The minister said Croatia’s Rafale aircraft will be upgraded from the F3-R standard to F4, which he described as a major increase in their detection, targeting and strike capabilities. Dassault Aviation will take part in the modernization, while Croatian company Odašiljači i veze will contribute to communications work with Thales. The country also plans to complete the modernization and digitization of its older radar systems.

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An aircraft at the F4 standard is incomparable with one that has F3 or F2 capabilities. These are the highest-quality detection, targeting and firing systems.