Norway Awards $922M Contract for South Korean Chunmoo Rocket Launchers

Norway Acquires Advanced Korean Rocket Artillery in Major Defense Deal

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has awarded Hanwha Aerospace a $922 million contract to supply the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system to Norwegian Armed Forces, marking a significant expansion of Nordic artillery capabilities and South Korea’s growing defense presence in Europe.

Signed in Oslo on January 30, 2026, the contract includes delivery of 16 Chunmoo launch vehicles, a precision-guided missile package, and comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support. The agreement represents Hanwha Aerospace’s first major defense contract of 2026 and continues nearly a decade of defense cooperation between South Korea and Norway.

Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency Director General Gro Jære and Hanwha Aerospace President and CEO Jae-il Son formalized the agreement in the presence of senior Korean and Norwegian officials, including Republic of Korea Chief of Staff to the President Hoon-sik Kang and Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen.

Strategic Expansion of Nordic Artillery Capabilities

The Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system acquisition enhances Norwegian Armed Forces’ long-range precision strike capabilities with technology specifically optimized for Arctic operations. The system has been engineered to maintain reliability in extreme low temperatures and challenging snowy terrain characteristic of Norway’s northern regions.

According to Hanwha Aerospace, the Chunmoo system is designed for full interoperability with Norway’s existing defense infrastructure and fire control systems. This integration capability builds upon the established framework created through Norway’s previous acquisition of 52 K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers and 14 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, delivered between 2017 and 2024.

The Norwegian contract forms part of a broader $2 billion artillery modernization program, with the Chunmoo system representing the initial major procurement phase. The precision-guided missile package included in the agreement provides Norwegian forces with enhanced standoff engagement capabilities against high-value targets.

Growing European Adoption of Korean Defense Systems

Norway becomes the fourth international customer for the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system, joining Poland, Estonia, and an undisclosed Middle Eastern nation alongside the Republic of Korea. This expanding user base creates opportunities for enhanced interoperability and shared logistics support among operating nations.

Poland previously committed to local production of Chunmoo missiles through a December 2024 contract, while Estonia awarded Hanwha Aerospace a €250 million contract for Chunmoo systems in December 2025. The rapid succession of European contracts demonstrates growing confidence in Korean defense technology among NATO member states.

“I believe Norway’s selection of the Chunmoo system is a result of the trust built up through the supply of K9 SPH,” stated Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. We remain committed to contributing to the long-term security of the Nordic region through close cooperation with Norway and further developing our role as a strategic security partner.

Technical Specifications and Operational Advantages

The Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system offers Norwegian forces multiple caliber options and extended engagement ranges compared to legacy artillery systems. The platform’s modular design allows deployment of various munition types, including precision-guided rockets with ranges exceeding 80 kilometers.

Key operational advantages include rapid deployment capabilities, shoot-and-scoot mobility to avoid counter-battery fire, and compatibility with existing NATO communications architecture. The Arctic-optimized variant supplied to Norway incorporates specialized components to ensure reliable operation in temperatures below minus 40 degrees Celsius.

The Integrated Logistics Support package encompasses spare parts provisioning, technical documentation, training programs for Norwegian crews and maintenance personnel, and ongoing technical support throughout the system’s operational lifecycle. Hanwha Aerospace has committed to establishing local support infrastructure within Norway.

Implications for Nordic Defense Posture

The Chunmoo acquisition strengthens Norway’s position within NATO’s northern flank, providing enhanced territorial defense and deterrence capabilities. The system’s precision-guided munitions reduce collateral damage risks while improving effectiveness against dispersed targets across Norway’s extensive coastal and inland territories.

Norwegian Armed Forces Chief of Army Major General Lars Lervik attended the contract signing, underscoring the Norwegian military’s prioritization of modern artillery systems. The acquisition aligns with NATO’s emphasis on long-range precision fires and territorial defense capabilities following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Defense analysts note that Norway’s selection of the Chunmoo system reflects broader European trends toward diversification of defense suppliers beyond traditional Western manufacturers. South Korean defense companies have capitalized on competitive pricing, proven performance, and willingness to support technology transfer and local production arrangements.

Industrial Cooperation and Local Partnership

Hanwha Aerospace announced plans to expand cooperation with Norwegian defense industry partners, including potential joint development initiatives and local testing programs. This approach mirrors successful partnerships established in Poland, where Hanwha operates production facilities and collaborates with local defense contractors.

The company previously partnered with Akkodis Nordics in October 2025 to develop specialized Chunmoo simulators tailored for Norwegian Armed Forces training requirements. Such collaborations demonstrate Hanwha’s strategy of building sustainable long-term relationships with European partners rather than pursuing purely transactional sales.

Norwegian defense industry representatives have indicated interest in participating in maintenance operations, component manufacturing, and potential future upgrade programs for the Chunmoo system. These arrangements could generate economic benefits for Norway while ensuring operational sovereignty over critical defense systems.

Delivery Timeline and Operational Integration

Hanwha Aerospace has committed to delivering all 16 Chunmoo launchers and associated equipment according to schedules aligned with Norwegian Armed Forces modernization timelines. Based on the company’s track record with the K9 VIDAR program, deliveries are expected to meet or exceed contractual requirements.

Norwegian forces will begin receiving Chunmoo systems following completion of crew training programs and preparation of support infrastructure. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency will oversee integration of the new rocket launchers with existing command and control systems, ensuring seamless operational employment alongside other artillery assets.

The precision-guided missile package will provide Norwegian forces immediate operational capabilities upon system delivery, with potential for future munition upgrades as technology advances. Hanwha Aerospace has indicated openness to developing additional munition variants based on Norwegian operational requirements.

Global Context and Defense Export Trends

The Norwegian contract reinforces South Korea’s position as a major global defense exporter, with Korean defense companies securing billions of dollars in international contracts since 2022. This export success stems from competitive pricing, proven combat-tested systems, rapid delivery capabilities, and flexible partnership arrangements.

Hanwha Aerospace competes directly with established Western defense manufacturers including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Rheinmetall in the European market. The company’s willingness to support local production and technology transfer has proven attractive to European nations seeking to develop indigenous defense industrial capabilities.

Recent geopolitical developments, including increased defense spending among European NATO members and supply chain concerns regarding traditional defense suppliers, have created opportunities for South Korean manufacturers. Norway’s Chunmoo acquisition exemplifies this trend toward diversified defense procurement strategies.

Future Prospects and Program Evolution

Norwegian officials have indicated that the Chunmoo acquisition may expand beyond the initial 16 launchers depending on operational experience and evolving security requirements. The $2 billion overall artillery modernization budget suggests potential for additional procurement phases or capability enhancements.

Hanwha Aerospace continues developing advanced munitions for the Chunmoo system, including extended-range variants, loitering munitions, and enhanced precision-guidance packages. Norwegian forces may benefit from these developments through future upgrade programs or additional procurement.

The success of the Norwegian contract positions Hanwha Aerospace for potential additional European sales, with several NATO members currently evaluating rocket artillery modernization options. The company’s growing European customer base and established support infrastructure provide competitive advantages for future competitions.