Hanwha Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to explore the integration of Hanwha’s Chunmoo guided missiles with Thales’ X-Fire launcher platform.
Under the agreement, the companies will work to integrate three Chunmoo munitions with the launcher: the 80-kilometer (50-mile) CGR080 guided rocket, the 160-kilometer (99-mile) CTM-MR missile, and the 290-kilometer (180-mile) CTM290 tactical ballistic missile.
Thales’ X-Fire is a modular launcher designed to support multiple missile types and future strike systems, aligning with broader European efforts to strengthen sovereign long-range fires capabilities.
Jointly developed with Soframe, the system is mounted on the proven Daimler Truck Zetros platform and is designed for high mobility and rapid deployment. Thales has positioned X-Fire as a potential replacement for France’s aging multiple launch rocket system and conducted its first demonstration firings on May 20.
Integrating operationally-proven Chunmoo munitions could enable X-Fire to field a credible long-range strike capability more rapidly than developing a new missile family from scratch.
“This MoU strengthens our partnership and enhances long-range precision-strike capabilities, reinforcing collaboration in international markets,” Thales Vice President of Vehicles and Tactical Systems Julien Assoun said.
“Together, we will deliver flexible and interoperable solutions to meet current operational requirements for deep strike.”
Chunmoo Munitions for Europe
The K239 Chunmoo is South Korea’s domestically developed multiple launch rocket system and has gained significant traction in Europe, with Poland, Estonia, and Norway selecting the platform.
For Hanwha, integrating its missile family with a European-developed launcher could broaden access to future long-range fires programs by offering customers an alternative to a complete Korean launcher-and-missile package while expanding the potential market for Chunmoo munitions.
The companies said they aim to develop a scalable precision-strike capability tailored to emerging requirements in Europe and beyond.
“This MoU is a starting point for combining Hanwha Aerospace’s guided missiles with Thales’ launcher platforms,” Head of the European Business Team at Hanwha Aerospace Kyoung-hoon Kang said.
“We will continue to explore opportunities for cooperation with local industry in France and across Europe.”
