The move is part of Estonia’s broader effort to expand its long-range strike capability, enabling it to hit enemy targets deep within their territory and enhance NATO’s regional deterrence. “It is important for Estonia to have the ability to influence the enemy deep within its territory,” said Minister Pevkur.
“To this end, it is necessary to increase Estonia’s deep-strike capability with additional rocket launchers,” he added, noting that Estonia began this development with the acquisition of HIMARS and is awaiting delivery dates for additional units from the US. “To further strengthen its deep-strike capability, the Defence Forces have selected Chunmoo rocket launchers manufactured by a South Korean company,” he said.
According to Pevkur, “a similar solution based on US and South Korean rocket launchers is also used by Poland, for example.” The agreement also includes significant investment in Estonia’s domestic defence sector.
“What is also crucial for me about this agreement is that a significant share of the transaction volume will go to the Estonian industry through the application of the principle of localisation,” said Pevkur. “This means tens of millions of euros in direct investments in Estonia’s defence industry,” he stated.
Discussions on technical details and contracts will continue between the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), South Korea’s export agency, and the manufacturer. The next step is to conclude relevant framework agreements.
South Korea has previously supplied Estonia with K9 self-propelled howitzers, also produced by Hanwha Aerospace, with Estonia set to receive a total of 36 units by the end of 2026. During his visit, Minister Pevkur also attended the ADEX 2025 defence exhibition with ECDI officials and representatives from Estonian defence companies.
Source: Estonian Ministry of Defence.
