Philippines expecting transfer of used K136 Kooryong MLRS from South Korea

The K136 Kooryong MLRS.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is negotiating with its South Korean counterparts for the transfer of four (4) batteries worth of surplus K136 Kooryong multiple launch rocket launchers (MLRS), related equipment and ammunition.

One battery can consist between four to six firing units.

Of the four batteries, three will be for the Philippine Army (PA) while one will be for the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

Both the PA and PMC do not operate any MLRS, and both services would gain new artillery capabilities. 

MaxDefense Philippines reported that this negotiation has been going on since 2018, with originally only involving three batteries of 18 MLRS firing units total.

The Philippines has acquired numerous weapon systems from South Korea in the past decade, including light combat aircraft, frigates, missiles, small arms and ammunition, and combat systems. It has also received grants from South Korea including surplus patrol boats, fighter aircraft, and recently a Pohang-class corvette.

The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) is currently in the process of replacing the K136 Kooryong with the newer K239 Chunmoo which fires guided rockets.



[1] Philippine News Agency
[2] MaxDefense Philippines