Hanwha Aerospace unveiled its new anti-ship ballistic missile at the ADAS 2024 show in Manila. (Andrew White)
Hanwha Aerospace unveiled a new anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) for its K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher (MRL) at the Asian Defenseand Security Exhibition (ADAS) 2024 in Manila, which concluded on 27 September.
The ASBM is in an early phase of development but will become the latest munition type capable of being launched from the K239, which is in service with the South Korean and Polish militaries. The K239 is already capable of firing a variety of 130 mm, 239 mm, and 600 mm munitions with product options including the CTM-080, CTM-MR, and CTM-290.
Speaking at ADAS 2024, a Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson told Janes the ASBM is in development but could be ready for deployment by 2027. The ASBM has been designed to support Philippine requirements, the spokesperson said, suggesting it could fulfil the Philippine Army's need for a shore-based anti-ship strike capability.
The spokesperson also said the ASBM could be used by the Philippine Coast Guard for coastal defence purposes and promoted the K239's ability to engage static and mobile targets as well as its capability to deploy within minutes.
Industry sources said any K239 procurement with the ASBM could fall within the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP's) 'Horizon 3' modernisation phase, which is focused on an “archipelagic defense concept”, according to government documentation.
ASBM features include GPS, INS (inertial navigation system), and IIR (imaging infrared) guidance solutions. The munition, which has a maximum range of 160 km, is powered by a composite propellant and has a ‘hit rate' of 80%, the spokesperson said.
However, the company was unable to elaborate on the ASBM's specifications, particularly concerning payload capacity and warhead type.
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