Hanwha Pushes Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Sales to the Philippines

Hanwha Aerospace is actively seeking to expand its international footprint by offering its latest anti-ship ballistic missile, the CTM-ASBM, to the Philippines. The initiative comes as Manila intensifies efforts to modernize its military capabilities, particularly to counter potential maritime threats in the South China Sea.

CTM-ASBM: Precision and Reach

The CTM-ASBM is an evolution of Hanwha’s existing CTM missile, designed specifically for engaging naval targets with high accuracy. According to company representatives, the missile has a range of up to 160 kilometers and incorporates a proprietary integrated seeker capable of accurately locking onto ships at sea. Its design allows it to be quad-packed into pods on the K239 Chunmoo, a versatile multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS), giving each launcher the ability to carry a total of eight anti-ship missiles for rapid salvo attacks.

Development of the CTM-ASBM is projected to conclude by 2028, with deployment anticipated shortly thereafter. The missile’s combination of mobility, precision, and integration with an established MLRS platform makes it a compelling option for countries with extensive coastlines and maritime interests.

K239 Chunmoo: The Launch Platform

The K239 Chunmoo serves as the launch vehicle for the CTM-ASBM. This highly mobile system is mounted on an 8×8 wheeled chassis, allowing for rapid repositioning across various terrains. Each launcher carries two pods, each capable of holding four CTM-ASBMs, but it can also accommodate a range of other munitions, from medium-range rockets to short-range ballistic missiles. The Chunmoo is specifically designed for flexibility and rapid response, essential for modern coastal defense operations.

Compared to larger systems like the Philippine Army’s planned BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, the Chunmoo offers enhanced mobility, allowing forces to quickly deploy missiles across islands and strategic chokepoints without reliance on major road networks.

Philippine Military Modernization

The Philippines has been steadily enhancing its maritime capabilities amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. The military has already incorporated advanced systems like the BrahMos supersonic missiles and is exploring a variety of long-range precision-fire solutions. The introduction of the CTM-ASBM would complement these capabilities by providing a mobile, land-based anti-ship option that can respond rapidly to naval threats.

Recent military exercises, such as Balikatan, Salaknib, and Kamandag, have seen Philippine forces working alongside American counterparts to deploy and operate high-end missile systems across strategic waterways, including the Luzon Strait and Palawan province facing the South China Sea. These drills highlight the importance of mobile and precision strike systems in the archipelago’s defense strategy.

Strategic Impact

Integrating the CTM-ASBM into the Philippine Armed Forces would significantly enhance their anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, providing a robust deterrent to potential adversaries. The combination of the missile’s precision, range, and the Chunmoo’s mobility ensures that the Philippine military can respond swiftly to evolving maritime threats while maintaining operational flexibility across its scattered islands.

By offering the CTM-ASBM, Hanwha Aerospace positions itself as a key partner in the Philippines’ ongoing military modernization, strengthening both the country’s maritime defenses and broader regional security posture in the Indo-Pacific.

Missile Specifications (Hanwha CTM-ASBM)

• Range: 160 km

• Guidance: Integrated seeker for precise targeting at sea

• Payload per launcher: Up to 8 missiles (quad-packed into 2 pods)

• Deployment platform: K239 Chunmoo MLRS

• Development completion: Expected by 2028