Recently, the Philippine Army activated three new aerial defense units in a bid to improve defense capabilities against growing threats and better ability of aviation operations to support ground forces. According to the Philippine Army spokesperson, South Korea provided two or three (need verification) used batteries of K136 Kooryong multiple launch rocket systems will be given to the Philippine Army.
One battery of MLRS consists of up to 36 launcher tubes. It will be the first time for the Army to have this artillery capability.
The K136 Kooryong is a South Korean indigenous rocket artillery system developed and deployed in 1986. A total of 150 of these multiple launch rocket systems were built and are currently in service with the South Korean Army.
The Kooryong fires two types of rockets, a standard K30 and extended range K33. The standard rocket is 2.4 meter long and weights 54 kg. The K33 is 2.53 meter long and weights 64 kg. The K30 has a maximum range of 23 km while the upgarder version, the K33 has a range of around 36 km. There are two types of warheads – conventional HE and pre-fragmented HE, containing 16 000 steel balls. The K136 Kooryong fires single round, partial or full salvo. Firings are undertaken from the driver’s seat or remotely from the vehicle.
This multiple launch rocket system is mounted on KM809A1 6×6 truck chassis. It is powered by a diesel engine, developing 236 horsepower. Vehicle has a full-time all wheel drive and is fitted with a central tyre pressure system.
Zagala said the Department of National Defense is still in the planning stage on how to pick up the rocket systems from South Korea. The Philippines will shoulder the costs of the transfer and the training of Army personnel.
