How SM Bexel’s Lithium Batteries Enhance K-239 Cheonmu’s Firepower: Key Insights and Future Prospects

| SEOUL — SM Bexel has announced the successful supply of lithium ampoule batteries for the 230mm unguided missiles used in the Chunmoo (K-239) system, a cornerstone of South Korea’s defense capabilities.

The Chunmoo is a critical component of South Korea’s “Three-Axis System,” focusing on preemptive strikes, responsive actions, and retaliatory capabilities. With its impressive firepower, range, and accuracy, it serves as a vital asset for neutralizing enemy threats, including long-range artillery.

In a recent development, the Chunmoo outperformed competitors such as Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and KNDS’s EURO-PULS to secure a $922 million contract from Norway’s National Defense Material Agency (NDMA) for their next-generation long-range precision fire system project.

The lithium ampoule batteries integrated into the Chunmoo’s unguided missiles are ultra-compact primary cells, measuring only 5mm. These batteries are crucial for activating self-destruction mechanisms in the event of a misfire, significantly enhancing the safety and operational effectiveness of South Korean military hardware.

This initial project not only contributes to the Chunmoo’s reliable operation but also reaffirms SM Bexel’s technological prowess and supply capabilities in the defense battery sector. As the Chunmoo’s strategic importance grows, plans for the second phase of the 230mm unguided missile project are accelerating. SM Bexel is currently in talks with KDI to secure follow-up contracts and supply agreements.

Choi Se-hwan, CEO of SM Bexel’s battery division, stated, “Successfully completing the initial supply of lithium ampoule batteries has strengthened our position in the defense industry. We aim to leverage this success to further enhance the global competitiveness of South Korean defense technology by maintaining our focus on supply capacity and quality in the upcoming second phase of the project.”