Pictures shared on the "Farooq Bhai" Twitter account suggest that the South Korean K239 Chunmoo multi-caliber MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) is now in use by Saudi Arabia's armed forces. This makes Saudi Arabia the second Middle Eastern nation to acquire the Chunmoo, following the UAE, which purchased eight of these rocket launcher systems in 2021.
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The Chunmoo MLRS was presented to the Saudi Chief of the General Staff during a visit to a military unit in the southern region. (Picture source Screenshot Video footage Saudi MoD )
As reported by the Middle East Monitor news website in March 2023, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have agreed to strengthen their defense cooperation. This collaboration was discussed at a meeting held in March 2023 between Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khaled Bin Salman and South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup at the Korean Ministry of National Defence in Seoul.
During the meeting, the two nations explored opportunities for bilateral collaboration in military and defense sectors and examined regional and international developments, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defence.
South Korea's Foreign Minister, Chung Eui-yong, anticipated the ongoing negotiations concerning South Korea's defense exports to Saudi Arabia to be successfully finalized, without providing further specifics.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has shown a growing interest in defense cooperation with various countries to bolster its own security and that of the surrounding region, say observers.
The K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a South Korean advanced multi-caliber MLRS developed by the Hanwha Corporation. The system is designed to provide the armed forces with enhanced firepower, precision, and mobility in various combat scenarios.
The development of the Chunmoo MLRS began in the early 2000s, with the goal of replacing older MLRS systems in the South Korean arsenal. The system was successfully tested in 2013 and officially entered service with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in 2016. The Chunmoo MLRS is built on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, which provides improved mobility and maneuverability compared to older tracked systems.
The K239 Chunmoo MLRS is capable of firing various types of rockets and missiles, making it a versatile and adaptable weapon system. It can fire three types of munitions including 130, 227, and 239mm rockets and missiles.
The short-range 130mm rocket has a range of approximately 36 kilometers and is designed for rapid-fire support against enemy troops, light armored vehicles, and fortified positions.
The medium-range 227mm rocket can be fired to a range of up to 80 kilometers, this rocket is ideal for engaging larger and more heavily defended targets, including command posts, communication facilities, and air defense installations.
The long-range 239mm missile has a maximum range of around 160 kilometers and is intended for precision strikes against high-value targets such as enemy headquarters, infrastructure, and strategic assets.
The Chunmoo MLRS can carries multiple rocket pods, allowing for a mix of munitions to be fired in a single mission. This flexibility enables the system to engage a wide range of targets and respond to various threats on the battlefield.
The system also features advanced guidance and targeting capabilities, including GPS and inertial navigation systems, which ensure high accuracy and precision. Additionally, the Chunmoo MLRS is equipped with a modern fire control system and can be integrated with other command and control systems, allowing for efficient coordination with other military units.
The Chunmoo K239 is a South Korean multi-caliber MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System.
