Hanwha Aerospace is further expanding its presence in Europe after securing an additional order for its Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems from Estonia, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between South Korea and the Baltic region.
The latest agreement, signed on May 11 through a government-to-government framework between KOTRA and the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, includes the supply of three additional Chunmoo systems for the Estonian Defence Forces.
The follow-on purchase comes only months after Estonia signed a larger defense package valued at around €290 million in December 2025. That earlier agreement included six Chunmoo launchers, multiple types of guided missiles, and operational and training support programs.
Industry observers see the new order as another sign that Estonia is steadily broadening its military partnership with Hanwha Aerospace, which already supplies K9 self-propelled howitzers to the country. The expanding cooperation also reflects growing European interest in South Korean defense systems amid heightened regional security concerns and pressure to modernize military capabilities more quickly.
The Chunmoo system has attracted attention in overseas markets for its mobility and precision strike capabilities. Mounted on an 8×8 wheeled platform, the launcher can fire 239 mm guided rockets with ranges of up to 80 kilometers, as well as longer-range tactical missiles such as the CTM-290, which can reach targets up to 290 kilometers away.
Defense analysts note that Hanwha Aerospace has been gaining traction in Europe partly because of its ability to deliver systems relatively quickly compared to some Western suppliers, while also offering broader industrial cooperation and support packages.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur described the additional Chunmoo order as an important step in strengthening Estonia’s defense capabilities and deepening cooperation with South Korean partners.
Jae-il Son, president and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said the latest contract would help reinforce Estonia’s defense ecosystem while supporting the company’s broader expansion strategy across the Baltic and Nordic regions.
The latest deal comes as South Korean defense companies continue to strengthen their position in Europe, where demand for artillery, missile systems, and armored platforms has risen sharply in recent years.
