Korea, Estonia sign MOU on Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, right, and his Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur, shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding on Estonia's acquisition of the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of the defense ministry

The defense chiefs of South Korea and Estonia on Thursday signed an agreement to support Estonia's bid to acquire the Chunmoo, South Korea's multiple rocket launcher, Seoul's defense ministry said.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his Estonian counterpart, Hanno Pevkur, the two sides agreed to support Tallinn's plan to acquire the rocket artillery system, according to the ministry.

Additional information on the amount, size and deadline of the plan was not immediately available.

The MOU signing came as the defense chiefs met in Seoul to discuss ways to expand their defense and arms industry cooperation on the sidelines of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition under way through Friday.

In the meeting, they agreed to further expand their defense exchanges and cooperation in various areas, including high-level exchanges, military training and cybersecurity.

Ahn recalled how the two countries have strengthened their partnership on the basis of geographic and historic similarities and requested Estonia's continued interest in South Korean weapons systems, such as the Chunmoo and the Redback infantry fighting vehicle, as the country seeks to modernize its military.

Estonia is one of the 10 foreign countries that have introduced the South Korea-made K9 self-propelled howitzer, along with Poland, Vietnam and Romania.

Ahn also met with Andrzej Grzyb, chairman of Poland's National Defence Committee, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral defense and arms cooperation.

During the meeting, Ahn highlighted the excellence of South Korean weapons systems purchased by the Polish military, such as the K2 tanks and K9 howitzers, suggesting the two sides continue cooperation in the arms industry, as well as in the implementation of existing contracts.

Citing North Korea's advanced nuclear and missile capabilities as a grave threat to the global community, Ahn requested support from Poland's parliament to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula.