Croatia is set to acquire CTM-X ballistic missiles with a reported range of up to 500 kilometers as part of its purchase of the South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket system, expanding the country’s long-range strike capabilities.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković confirmed the acquisition following a meeting with Cho Jeong-sik, president of South Korea’s National Assembly, at the Banski Dvori government headquarters in Zagreb.
“Our defense cooperation is developing further through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the defense ministries and a contract with South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace for the acquisition of the K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery system and CTM-X missiles,” Plenković wrote on X.
The reported range of the CTM-X comes from manufacturer information. At the ADEX 2025 defense exhibition, Hanwha representatives said the missile extends the range of the CTM-290 ballistic missile to approximately 500 kilometers while retaining around 80 percent of its warhead power, according to Naval News.
Norway’s Defence Materiel Agency (FMA), which purchased the same system in January, has also stated that Chunmoo can launch precision-guided ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 500 kilometers.
Earlier announcements about Croatia’s acquisition referred to missiles with ranges from 30 kilometers to more than 300 kilometers, including ballistic missiles intended primarily to serve as a deterrent.
€435 Million Contract for 18 Launchers
Croatia signed contracts with Hanwha Aerospace on September 10 for the acquisition of 18 self-propelled Chunmoo launchers. Plenković said at the time that the deal would provide the Croatian Armed Forces with capabilities the country had never previously possessed.
According to Croatian public broadcaster HRT, the South Korean system will complement the American HIMARS launchers Croatia has already contracted to acquire.
The total value of the procurement is €435.2 million, excluding VAT. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2029.
The Chunmoo system can fire different types of guided rockets and missiles, depending on the ammunition configuration. The reported 500-kilometer range refers specifically to the CTM-X ballistic missile and is based on information provided by the manufacturer and cited defense sources.
Broader Croatia–South Korea Cooperation
During their meeting, Plenković and Cho also discussed expanding bilateral trade, South Korean investment in Croatia, and cooperation in energy, green technologies and transport infrastructure.
They also exchanged views on support for Ukraine and cooperation between European and Indo-Pacific partners.
The acquisition forms part of Croatia’s broader military modernization effort, with the Chunmoo system expected to add long-range strike capabilities alongside the American HIMARS system.
