Korea's Chunmoo emerges as strong candidate for Philippines' long-range strike weapon

Korea's K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system has emerged as a strong alternative for the Philippine military's long-range strike capability. As global weapons demand surges and delays in US weapons supply worsen, Korea's stable defense production capacity and flexible follow-on support are proving competitive in the Southeast Asian market.

According to the Manila Bulletin, a major Philippine daily, on Nov. 7, Philippine military authorities are reportedly considering the introduction of the Korean-made Chunmoo as a way to quickly acquire long-range strike capability while ensuring stable ammunition supply and follow-on support for decades to come.

The Philippine military is currently pursuing a three-phase modernization program called Re-Horizon 3, with long-range precision strike capability as a key requirement. In this process, Philippine military authorities have been weighing the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), widely used around the world, against Korea's Chunmoo.

Fast delivery and a stable ammunition supply chain are behind Chunmoo's rise as a leading candidate. HIMARS has a global order backlog due to support for the Ukraine war and other factors, meaning actual delivery can take years after contract signing, whereas Chunmoo can be fielded relatively quickly.

Hanwha Aerospace, which developed Chunmoo, has even proposed building local maintenance facilities in the Philippines and transferring technology to help maintain long-term operational readiness. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro recently cited Korea's sustained defense investment and production capacity, built on its solid steel and electronics industries, as a model, stressing that the Philippines must also secure its own defense industrial base and stable ammunition stockpiles.

The operational flexibility of the weapon system itself is also considered a strength. A Hanwha Aerospace media team official told the Manila Bulletin, "Chunmoo uses twin-pods to simultaneously carry different types of precision-guided munitions," adding, "It can operate various missiles depending on operational requirements."

Chunmoo has already been exported to multiple countries, proving its performance and mass production capability. Following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, Norway announced its introduction in January this year, and in Poland, guided rockets will be produced locally from 2030 through a joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and a local company.

Korea and the Philippines already have close defense cooperation, having traded major weapons systems including 12 FA-50 light attack aircraft for the air force and frigates for the navy. If the Philippine military ultimately selects Chunmoo as its long-range precision strike weapon, the two countries' solid defense cooperation will extend to ground weapons systems.

※ This article is an AI translation of the Korean original published by Korea Credit News; it was checked by automated quality guards and published by the English edition desk.