Hanwha to Test Chunmoo Missiles From Vessel
Hanwha Defense USA plans two test-firings of its Chunmoo missile system from a ship off the southern U.S. coast later this month.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Military
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Hanwha Defense USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace Co., plans two test-firings of Chunmoo missiles from a vessel off the southern U.S. coast later this month. The tests aim to adapt the land-based Chunmoo system for naval use.
Why it matters
The tests are part of an effort to assess whether the system is suitable for shipboard deployment. They come as Hanwha expands its U.S. defense footprint through shipbuilding contracts and a proposed acquisition of Austal USA.
Hanwha Defense USA plans two Chunmoo test-firings from a vessel off the southern U.S. coast, and secured a $269 million TOTE Services contract to build a medium landing ship for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The deal terms for its proposed Austal USA acquisition are still being negotiated, and the test results have not yet been reported.
The players
Hanwha Defense USA
The U.S. subsidiary of South Korean defense contractor Hanwha Aerospace, leading the Chunmoo testing and shipbuilding efforts in the United States.
Hanwha Aerospace Co.
A South Korean aerospace and defense manufacturer, parent company of Hanwha Defense USA and maker of the Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system.
Austal USA
The U.S. subsidiary of Australian shipbuilder Austal, which is the subject of Hanwha Defense USA's acquisition talks.
The details
The planned launches would test the land-based Chunmoo system at sea. Under an April agreement with Magnet Defense, Hanwha is also developing a containerized Chunmoo launcher for the H38 medium unmanned surface vessel. Hanwha acquired Philly Shipyard in 2024.
Timeline
April 2026: Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense signed the Chunmoo launcher agreement.
October 2026: TOTE Services awarded the medium landing ship contract.
Later this month: Two Chunmoo missile test-firings are scheduled from a vessel off the southern U.S. coast.
Season Trajectory
The planned shipboard tests extend the Chunmoo system, a land-based multiple rocket launcher, into naval deployment. Hanwha's push into U.S. shipbuilding through Philly Shipyard and the proposed Austal USA deal shows the company seeking a larger foothold in American naval programs.
The launches will show whether the Chunmoo system can be fired from a ship, which determines if it can be added to U.S. naval programs. The results will also clarify whether Hanwha's shipbuilding and acquisition plans in the U.S. move forward.
The takeaway
The planned Chunmoo tests will show whether a land-based rocket system can work at sea. Their outcome will shape how Hanwha positions itself in U.S. naval defense work.
What happens next
Two Chunmoo missile test-firings are scheduled from a vessel off the southern U.S. coast later this month.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Military news on U.S. defense programs.
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