Norway has selected the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, choosing the platform over competing European and US offerings.
Announced by the Norwegian government, the decision includes the procurement of 16 launchers along with a substantial stock of missiles spanning three range categories, including long-range strike capabilities of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles).
Deliveries of the launchers and associated training equipment are scheduled for 2028 and 2029, while missile deliveries are planned for 2030 and 2031.
The acquisition represents one of the largest single investments ever made by the Norwegian Army and marks a significant shift in Oslo’s defense procurement approach, which has traditionally favored European and American suppliers.
The decision also builds on Norway’s existing defense relationship with South Korea, following the earlier acquisition of K9 Vidar self-propelled howitzers from Hanwha.
In November 2025, Norway shortlisted Hanwha’s Chunmoo and Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS to replace its aging rocket artillery fleet, having eliminated the EuroPULS system proposed by Elbit Systems and KNDS Deutschland earlier in the process.
Missile range emerged as a decisive factor, with Chunmoo capable of employing multiple munition types, including long-range missiles reaching up to 500 kilometers—an advantage not matched by competing commercial solutions.
Additional factors included faster delivery timelines and lower overall costs. Hanwha’s expanding European supply chain, centered in Poland, also played a key role. Poland is acquiring nearly 300 Chunmoo systems and has partnered with Hanwha to manufacture missiles domestically, with potential exports to other European customers.
Hanwha further strengthened its bid by offering an industrial cooperation package with Norwegian companies valued at 120 percent of the contract’s worth and by agreeing to receive payments only after deliveries begin.
With the selection of Chunmoo, Norway joins a growing number of NATO members adopting the South Korean system to rapidly field long-range rocket artillery, enhancing deep-strike capabilities along NATO’s northern flank amid rising security challenges.
