(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) “K239 Chunmoo” produced by Hanwha Aerospace from South Korea seems to be eyeing the Malaysian market, either to replace or complement the Brazilian-made ASTROS MLRS that has been used by the Malaysian army for quite some time.
The “K239 Chunmoo” MRLS system is said to be a major competitor to the HIMARS MLRS system, and according to analysts, the capabilities of the South Korean-made MRLS system are comparable to that of the American-made system.
At the DSA & NATSEC 2024 defence exhibition in May this year, Hanwha Aerospace forged a partnership with the rising local defense industry player, Widad Business Group.
During the biennial defense exhibition, Widad Business Group, represented by its Executive Chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ikmal Opat Abdullah, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hanwha Aerospace, represented by its Executive Vice President cum CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Daejeon Plant, Go Sang-Hwe.
According to a statement issued by Widad, Muhammad Ikmal expressed confidence that the cooperation between the two companies has the potential to enhance defense capabilities and further encourage innovation.
Used by armed forces of countries such as South Korea, Poland, and several other countries in the Middle East, the “K239 Chunmoo” MRLS system can launch two different calibre rockets simultaneously.
It is capable of launching rockets of calibre 130mm, 227mm, and 239mm that can hit targets at distances of 36km, 80km, and 290km, respectively, allowing it to meet a variety of operational needs effectively.
The “K239 Chunmoo” MRLS system is also reported to be capable of launching tactical guided projectiles of calibre 600mm.
Among the key features of the K239 Chunmoo MRLS system are its precision targeting capability, rapid deployment in under five minutes, quick reloading, and tactical mobility that enables the army to maximize tactical capabilities.
South Korea developed the “K239 Chunmoo” MRLS system to replace the aging “Kooryong” MRLS.