The agreement, announced during the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris, marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between European and Asian defense industries in the field of advanced land-based strike systems.

Under the partnership, Hanwha Aerospace will integrate several missiles from its combat-proven Chunmoo family with Thales’ X-Fire launcher platform. The collaboration is intended to provide armed forces with a scalable and sovereign long-range fires solution capable of engaging targets across a broad range of operational scenarios.

“This MoU strengthens our partnership and enhances long-range precision strike capabilities to reinforce collaboration on the international market. Together, we will deliver flexible and interoperable solutions to meet the current operational needs in deep strike, said Julien Assoun, Vice-President Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales.

At the center of the partnership is the X-Fire launcher, a modular land-based launcher developed by Thales and French vehicle specialist Soframe. Designed to deploy a variety of long-range munitions, the system recently completed its first live-fire demonstrations and is being positioned as a next-generation solution for modern battlefield requirements. The integration of Hanwha’s missile family will significantly expand the operational reach and versatility of the launcher.

The collaboration comes at a time when many countries are seeking to strengthen their deep-strike capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. Recent conflicts have underscored the importance of precision-guided long-range fires, prompting increased demand for systems capable of delivering accurate effects against command centers, logistics hubs, air defense networks, and other strategic targets.

“This MOU is a starting point for combining Hanwha Aerospace’s guided missiles with Thales’s launcher platforms. We will continue to look for ways to cooperate with local industry in France and across Europe,” said Kyoung-hoon Kang, Head of the European Business Team, Hanwha Aerospace.

For Hanwha Aerospace, the agreement further expands its growing presence in international defense markets. The company’s Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket system has attracted significant attention from several countries due to its flexibility, combat effectiveness, and ability to integrate multiple missile types on a single platform. The partnership with Thales provides Hanwha with access to additional opportunities within Europe and other allied markets.

For Thales, the MoU aligns with broader European efforts to enhance defense sovereignty while leveraging partnerships with trusted international suppliers. By combining Thales’ expertise in command-and-control systems, launch platforms, and battlefield integration with Hanwha’s advanced missile technologies, the companies aim to deliver a comprehensive precision-strike solution tailored to modern operational requirements.

The agreement does not represent an immediate procurement program but establishes a framework for technical cooperation and future market opportunities. Nevertheless, it highlights the increasing importance of international industrial partnerships in developing next-generation military capabilities and responding to growing demand for long-range precision strike systems worldwide.

As nations continue investing in long-range fires and deterrence capabilities, the Thales-Hanwha partnership could emerge as a notable contender in the evolving global market for precision-strike systems, combining European launcher technology with South Korea’s rapidly expanding missile expertise.