ZAGREB, Sept 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Croatia said Friday it will buy South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers worth 544 million euros ($632 million).

The defence ministry will procure the launchers along with associated equipment and systems by 2029, a government statement said, without elaborating.

The state-run HINA news agency said 18 launchers will be purchased.

The K239 Chunmoo was designed as a modular rocket launcher capable of firing multiple calibers, including 130mm and 239mm munitions.

Following the acquisition of 12 French Rafale fighter jets in 2021, "this is one of the largest and most important investments in the modernisation of the Croatian army" since the 1990s independence war, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said.

"For the first time, we are acquiring the capability to engage targets rapidly and precisely at very long ranges."

Croatia is boosting its defence capabilities "not to threaten anyone, but to deter any threat, guarantee the security of Croatian citizens... and contribute to the collective security and defence of Europe", he said.

Zagreb has already purchased eight US-made HIMARS rocket launchers, whose delivery is expected in 2028.

Croatia is a member of both NATO and the European Union.

Last year, the country spent 2.08 percent of its gross domestic product, or 1.93 billion euros, on defence.