Hanwha Aerospace has entered into a collaborative agreement with Thales to explore the integration of its Chunmoo guided missiles with Thales’ X-Fire launcher platform. This partnership signals a strategic move to combine advanced missile systems with modern launch technologies, aiming to enhance long-range precision-strike capabilities.
Under this agreement, the focus will be on integrating three specific types of Chunmoo munitions: the CGR080 guided rocket, which boasts a range of 80 kilometers (50 miles); the CTM-MR missile, with a reach of 160 kilometers (99 miles); and the CTM290 tactical ballistic missile that can strike targets up to 290 kilometers (180 miles) away.
Thales’ X-Fire launcher stands out due to its modular design, which enables the support of multiple missile types and future strike systems. This aligns with ongoing European initiatives aimed at bolstering sovereign long-range fire capabilities. Jointly developed with Soframe, the X-Fire is mounted on the robust Daimler Truck Zetros platform, providing high mobility and rapid deployment options. The launcher has been identified as a potential successor to France’s aging multiple launch rocket systems, with successful demonstration firings conducted as recently as May.
The integration of Chunmoo munitions into the X-Fire platform is expected to expedite the availability of a credible long-range strike capability, circumventing the lengthy process of developing new missile families from the ground up. Julien Assoun, Vice President of Vehicles and Tactical Systems at Thales, emphasized the benefits of this memorandum of understanding, stating that it fortifies the partnership and enhances long-range precision-strike capabilities, while also reinforcing collaboration in international markets.
As South Korea’s domestically developed multiple launch rocket system, the K239 Chunmoo has gained considerable traction within Europe. Nations such as Poland, Estonia, and Norway have opted for the Chunmoo platform, reflecting its increasing appeal on the continent. For Hanwha Aerospace, integrating its missile family with a European-developed launcher could present new opportunities for future long-range fire programs, allowing customers an alternative to complete Korean launcher-and-missile packages.
The companies aim to cultivate a scalable precision-strike capability specifically designed to meet evolving requirements in Europe and beyond. Kyoung-hoon Kang, Head of the European Business Team at Hanwha Aerospace, noted that this agreement marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Hanwha’s guided missiles and Thales’ launcher platforms. He also highlighted intentions to further explore cooperation with local industries in France and throughout Europe.
