South Korea to purchase 58 Chun Moo K-MLRS multi-calibers MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System

South Korean government has announced the purchase of 58 new multi-calibers K-MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System, developed by the national Defense Company Chun Moo. The new system is able to fire different type of rockets 130 and 230mm.During a defense exhibition in South Korea, Chun Moo has presented the latest version of its K-MRLS vehicle fitted with two pods, one for 130mm and one for 230 mm rockets mounted on the same vehicle. The system is designed to fire unguided rockets at a maximum range of 80 km for the 130mm rocket and 160 km for the 230mm rocket.
As multi-caliber rocket launcher system, the K-MLRS is able to fire also the 227mm rockets used by the American-made M270 which is in service with the South Korean army.North Korea has recently developed new multiple rocket launcher which was tested in 2013. Until now, the North was believed to have three kinds of multiple rocket launchers -- 107mm, 122mm and 240mm with a maximum range of about 60km.

If deployed, the new launchers could threaten the entire Seoul metropolitan area, which is less than 50km from the border, and reach U.S. bases in Gyeonggi Province.In response to the growing missile and rocket threat from the North, South Korea has developed the new 230mm multiple rocket launch system (K-MLRS) to replace its old 130mm K136 Kooryong MLRS fleet with the goal of completing the upgrade by later this year.