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Hanwha Aerospace's Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system. /Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace

Hanwha Aerospace is preparing to conduct sea-based firing tests of its Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) off the southern coast of the United States.

The company plans to expand the Chunmoo's operational capabilities from land to sea by adapting the ground-based weapon system for use aboard vessels, as part of its efforts to enter the U.S. naval defense market.

According to Hanwha Aerospace and its U.S. subsidiary, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), on Monday, the two companies will conduct two test firings of ship-mounted Chunmoo guided missiles off the southern U.S. coast this month. 

In April, HDUSA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. unmanned surface vessel developer Magnet Defense to jointly develop the H38 medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV).

The two companies are working to integrate a containerized Chunmoo launcher into the H38.

The H38 is a 38-meter-long unmanned surface vessel designed to navigate autonomously without a crew and perform a range of missions, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare and missile strikes.

HDUSA is also working to establish a local manufacturing base to expand its naval defense operations in the United States.

The company is currently pursuing the acquisition of Austal USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Australian shipbuilding and defense contractor Austal.

Last month, HDUSA also secured a $269 million contract from vessel construction management company TOTE Services to build a medium landing ship (LSM) for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The contract marks another achievement in Hanwha's U.S. naval shipbuilding business following its acquisition of Philly Shipyard in 2024. 

Building on the expansion of the Chunmoo system to maritime platforms, the joint development of unmanned surface vessels and the landing ship contract, Hanwha aims to broaden its U.S. defense portfolio to encompass both land-based and naval systems.

"As confirmed by Austal Australia's public disclosures, we have completed the main due diligence process and are currently negotiating key terms of the agreement," a Hanwha Aerospace official said.

"We will actively respond to U.S. defense demand and build integrated solutions covering not only packages of manned and unmanned vessels but also land defense systems, including self-propelled howitzers and ammunition," the official added.

                                                                                                             Kim So-young