Norway awards Hanwha Aerospace contract for Chunmoo MLRS long-range precision fires for new army battalion

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is actively preparing to enhance its land forces' capabilities with new Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), aimed at bolstering precision strike abilities over long distances. To this end, Oslo is considering two procurement routes: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and an open tender process. Among the proposals receiving significant attention is the Chunmoo MLRS, developed by South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace.
Photo: Defence Industry Europe.

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has signed a contract with Hanwha Aerospace to procure land-based long-range precision fires for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Deliveries are set to begin in 2028, with the capability to be fielded by a new Norwegian Army rocket artillery battalion.

 

The acquisition centers on Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo system, comprising mobile launchers capable of firing high-precision missiles at ranges of up to 500 kilometres, introducing a new capability for the Army. Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said, “This is a strategically important investment that will strengthen our national defence and provide the Norwegian Army with significantly enhanced combat power.”

Sandvik added, “Long-range precision fires serve as a deterrent due to their ability to strike targets deep inside an adversary’s territory, if necessary.” The systems will form the core of the new battalion, with the total investment, including the Hanwha contract, estimated at around NOK 19 billion (EUR 1.67 billion).

 

 

According to NDMA Director General Gro Jære, “Based on the bids we received, our assessment is that Hanwha’s Chunmoo system provides the Norwegian Armed Forces with the best combination of performance, cost and ability to deliver.” She added, “We are very satisfied with the overall solution that Hanwha will deliver, and we look forward to continued cooperation with them.”

Major General Lars Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army, said, “This procurement significantly increases the Army’s combat power and strengthens both deterrence and defence capability, especially in the North.” Hanwha Aerospace President and CEO Jae-il Son stated, “Through this contract, Hanwha Aerospace plans to further strengthen its partnership with Norwegian industry, including through cooperation on local testing and joint development.”

 

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