Thales and Hanwha Aerospace have signed a cooperation agreement to examine the integration of Chunmoo-guided munitions into the X-Fire launcher platform.
As part of the effort, the partners will evaluate compatibility between X-Fire and three key Chunmoo weapons: the 80-kilometer-range CGR080 guided rocket, the 160-kilometer CTM-MR missile, and the CTM290 tactical ballistic missile, which can strike targets up to 290 kilometers away.
Designed as a flexible and modular launch system, X-Fire is intended to support a variety of current and future missile solutions while contributing to Europe’s drive for independent long-range strike capabilities. The launcher was jointly developed by Thales and Soframe and is mounted on the highly mobile Daimler Truck Zetros vehicle. Following its first demonstration firings on May 20, the system is being positioned as a potential replacement for France’s legacy multiple launch rocket systems.
Integrating the field-tested Chunmoo missile portfolio would allow X-Fire to rapidly deliver advanced long-range strike capabilities without the lengthy process of developing a new missile family from the ground up.
The K239 Chunmoo system has gained momentum in Europe, having been selected by countries such as Poland, Estonia, and Norway. For Hanwha, the partnership offers an opportunity to expand participation in European defense programs by providing missile solutions that can be paired with a locally developed launcher rather than a complete Korean system.
According to the companies, the collaboration aims to create a flexible precision-strike capability capable of adapting to future operational demands in Europe and global markets.
