SEOUL, February 02 (AJP) - A joint effort to bolster Nordic defense reached a major milestone as Hanwha Aerospace secured a contract to supply the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) to the Norwegian Armed Forces. The agreement, valued at approximately 922 million dollars, marks the first major defense contract for the South Korean company in 2026.
The Chunmoo system is a multi-caliber rocket artillery platform capable of firing different munitions from two separate launch pods. It can launch twelve 239mm guided rockets at targets up to 80 kilometers away or deploy 600mm tactical ballistic missiles with a range of approximately 290 kilometers. Designed for high mobility, the system is mounted on an 8x8 armored truck and can fire its first rounds within minutes of arriving at a position. This modular design allows it to deliver double the firepower of similar single-pod systems, providing a versatile solution for both precision strikes and wide-area saturation.
According to the South Korean defense contractor, the contract was signed in Oslo on January 30 by Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, and Gro Jære, Director General of the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA). The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea, and Marte Gerhardsen, State Secretary of Norway.
Under the terms of the deal, Hanwha Aerospace will provide 16 Chunmoo launch vehicles along with a package of precision-guided missiles and integrated logistics support. This procurement is part of a larger 2-billion-dollar defense project by Norway to modernize its long-range strike capabilities.
The selection of the Chunmoo follows nearly ten years of cooperation between the Norwegian military and Hanwha Aerospace. Norway previously purchased 52 K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers and 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles in 2017. The company's ability to deliver that equipment on time and provide reliable maintenance support served as a key factor in the Norwegian government’s decision to adopt the Chunmoo system.
To meet the specific needs of the Norwegian Army, the Chunmoo system has been optimized for the Arctic environment. The hardware is designed to remain reliable in extreme low temperatures and heavy snow, ensuring it can operate across the difficult terrain of the Nordic region. It is also built to be fully compatible with Norway's existing defense infrastructure and fire control networks.
"I believe Norway's selection of the Chunmoo system is a result of the trust built up through the supply of K9 self-propelled howitzers," said Jae-il Son. "We remain committed to contributing to the long-term security of the Nordic region through close cooperation with Norway."
With this latest agreement, Norway joins a growing list of nations operating the Chunmoo MRLS, which currently includes South Korea, Poland, Estonia, and several countries in the Middle East. Hanwha Aerospace stated it intends to expand its partnership with local Norwegian industries through joint development projects and local testing programs.
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