Speaking to Croatian public broadcaster HRT, Anušić emphasized that the South Korean-origin system was chosen for its NATO interoperability, cost-effectiveness, high lethality, and ability to meet all operational requirements. While not providing a precise delivery timeline for the systems—which possess a rocket transport capacity of up to 600 millimeters—the minister noted that the procurement process will be relatively short.
Speaking to Croatian public broadcaster HRT, Anušić emphasized that the South Korean-origin system was chosen for its NATO interoperability, cost-effectiveness, high lethality, and ability to meet all operational requirements. While not providing a precise delivery timeline for the systems—which possess a rocket transport capacity of up to 600 millimeters—the minister noted that the procurement process will be relatively short.
"The delivery time is very short, and this weapon system completely equalizes the balance of power in the region as of now" Anušić stated.
Diversifying the inventory
To avoid relying on a single long-range artillery rocket platform, Zagreb plans to operate the Chunmoo systems concurrently with US-made HIMARS.
Stating that the two systems are operationally compatible, Anušić explained that this strategy will simplify maintenance and logistical support while providing significant redundancy against potential procurement or operational disruptions. Stressing that sourcing systems from multiple manufacturers aligns with NATO's approach to supply chain and military hardware security, the minister said, "Working with multiple manufacturers in the same ammunition segment simplifies operations."
Rafale F4 and radar network modernization
Alongside long-range firepower investments, Croatia continues efforts to strengthen its fighter jet inventory. Under an agreement signed in Paris, the process to upgrade the inventory's Rafale fighter jets from the F3-R standard to the F4 standard has been initiated. While modernization activities are being conducted by manufacturer Dassault Aviation, Croatian telecommunications company Odašiljači i veze will also be involved in the project.
Stating that the F4 standard will mark a breakthrough in detection, targeting, and attack systems, Anušić reported that the Croatian fighter fleet will remain operational even during this modernization process. Furthermore, it was announced that the project aimed at the complete digitalization of the country's aging military radar network will soon be completed.
Preparing for Future Threats
In addition to strike systems and aircraft modernizations, the Ministry of Defense is focused on logistics infrastructure investments. Stating that hangar infrastructure is being prepared for two new Canadair firefighting aircraft to be delivered in 2028, Anušić added that Europe's security architecture requires intelligence protection and resilience against hybrid warfare beyond conventional weapons:
"We are already preparing for scenarios we might encounter in the future. Our sincere wish is that such threats do not materialize, but we must be prepared for any scenario."
High Firepower with Chunmoo
The K239 Chunmoo was developed by Hanwha Aerospace to provide the South Korean Army with a modern, highly flexible, and long-range fire support capability. Designed as a modular system, it can fire various types of guided and unguided rockets from interchangeable launch pods, including 130mm, 230mm, and 239mm caliber rockets, as well as tactical ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 200 km.
In service with the South Korean Army, the K239 Chunmoo K-MLRS can fire:
- 130 mm rockets: 36 km range
- 227 mm rockets: 80 km range
- 229 mm rockets: 90 km range (equipped with GPS+INS guidance)
- 400 mm guided rockets: 200+ km range
- 600 mm ballistic missiles: 290 km range