South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace took the opportunity at the inaugural Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) in the central city of Gyeryongdae in early October to unveil an uncrewed multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) concept.
In a social media post, Hanwha Aerospace highlighted that the Unmanned Amphibious Multi-Rocket Launcher has a weight of just 17 tons, a significant decrease compared to conventional MLRS systems. For example, the company’s highly successful crewed K239 Chunmoo MLRS system has a weight of about 31 tons.
“This makes it deployable on amphibious assault ships and transport vessels, enhancing operational flexibility,” stated Hanwha Aerospace.
The company also asserted that the uncrewed operation offers improved survivability as personnel are not exposed in the launch area, which would be instantly targeted by counter-artillery fires once the rocket munitions have been launched.
To neutralise the deck motions of a moving naval vessel, Hanwha Aerospace integrated a proprietary system that compensates for ship movement.
“This ensures pinpoint accuracy even in rough seas, keeping rockets on target regardless of wave action,” said the company.
It is understood that the Unmanned Amphibious Multi-Rocket Launcher will be equipped with a launcher that will be compatible with current and future munitions payload pods used by the Chunmoo,
Besides the Unmanned Amphibious Multi-Rocket Launcher, Hanwha Aerospace is also developing new coastal defence capabilities for its Chunmoo MLRS system.
The company earlier announced that it will develop an Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) payload by 2027, which is aimed at providing a more affordable alternative to traditional cruise missiles.
Another possible munition could be the Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile (KTSSM), which was commissioned into service as the Thunder on the sidelines of KADEX 2024 on 4 October. The enhanced KTSSM-II munition with increased range and penetrative power over the current Thunder guided munition is also under development, with fielding expected by the early 2030s.
It is understood that both KTSSM/Thunder and the KTSSM-II munitions will constitute key pillars of South Korea’s comprehensive defence network, which will comprise the full spectrum of air defence, pre-emptive strike, and counterstrike capabilities.
by Jr Ng
