Croatia approves €544 million Chunmoo rocket system deal in major military modernisation

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

ZAGREB, September 4, 2026 – The Croatian Government has approved a major package of defence investments, including the acquisition of 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, as part of a wider programme to modernise and strengthen the Croatian Armed Forces, the Defence Ministry said today. 

The Government approved six decisions covering new equipment, modernisation and infrastructure for the Croatian military.

The largest investment is the acquisition of 18 K239 Chunmoo self-propelled multiple rocket launchers and associated ammunition from South Korean defence company Hanwha Aerospace, together with a command-and-control system supplied by Polish company WB Electronics.

The total value of the Chunmoo procurement is €544.05 million including VAT, with implementation planned between 2026 and 2029. Croatia is expected to receive the complete package within 24 to 36 months.

K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher (Photo: Jeff Sung (Hanwha))

The Chunmoo is a wheeled multiple rocket launcher designed to provide fire support across short, medium and long ranges. Its configuration allows a launcher to carry two rocket modules at the same time, including modules containing different types of ammunition.

According to the Defence Ministry, the system is intended to provide precise fire support against a range of tactical and deeper targets.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said the investment was intended to strengthen Croatia’s ability to deter threats and contribute to European collective security.

He pointed to Russia’s war against Ukraine as demonstrating the importance of long-range precision capabilities, modern air defence, intelligence and secure communications.

Plenković also described the Chunmoo acquisition as one of the largest and most significant investments in the modernisation of the Croatian Armed Forces since the end of the Homeland War, following the acquisition of Rafale fighter aircraft.

Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the system would provide Croatia with additional capabilities for precise and effective fire support at different ranges.

Croatia joins a growing number of European countries acquiring the Chunmoo system. Poland, Estonia and Norway have also selected the South Korean system, with the Croatian Government citing its relatively short delivery timeframe, availability, cost and potential for industrial cooperation.

Rafale modernisation

The Government also approved the next phase of the modernisation of Croatia’s Rafale fighter aircraft, moving towards additional capabilities associated with the F4 standard.

The upgrade includes additional detection and self-protection capabilities, including a passive detection system designed to improve detection at long distances during both day and night.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

The programme with French manufacturer Dassault Aviation is valued at €112.22 million including VAT, with obligations running from 2026 to 2032.

New communications capabilities

Another decision covers the modernisation of the Croatian Air Force combat communications system.

The programme includes voice and data communications subsystems, as well as equipment designed to protect data and communications.

The selected bid was submitted jointly by French company Thales and Croatian company Odašiljači i veze (OIV).

Thales already supplies communications equipment installed on Croatia’s Rafale aircraft. The cooperation with OIV also includes technology transfer, giving the Croatian company additional capabilities for installation and maintenance of the systems for NATO members.

The value of the approved acquisition is €41.06 million including VAT.

Radar system upgrade

The Government also updated the financial schedule for the modernisation of Croatia’s AN/FPS-117 radar system, which is being carried out through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

The total value remains €45 million including VAT. Completion is now planned for 2027, with €17 million remaining to be implemented across 2026 and 2027.

Anti-tank equipment

Croatia will also acquire additional anti-tank weapons and equipment from Germany’s EuroSpike GmbH.

The value of the contract is €13.9 million including VAT, with payments planned for 2026 and 2029.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

New hangar at Zemunik

The final decision concerns infrastructure at Zemunik Air Base in Zadar County.

The Ministry of Defence has selected Croatian company Radnik d.d. to construct a multifunctional aircraft maintenance hangar and associated facilities.

The contract is worth €12.17 million including VAT, with payments scheduled between 2026 and 2028.

The Government said the series of decisions forms part of a broader programme of investment in Croatia’s defence capabilities, covering long-range fire support, aircraft capabilities, communications, radar systems, anti-tank equipment and military infrastructure.