Norway Picks South Korea’s Chunmoo in $2B Artillery Deal
Norway has selected South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to supply its new rocket artillery system, opting for the K239 Chunmoo over European alternatives and the widely used U.S.-made HIMARS. The $2 billion deal, announced by Norwegian defense officials on Thursday, marks a pivotal decision in the country’s continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces while enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities.
According to the article titled “Norway selects Hanwha Chunmoo over European systems, HIMARS in $2B rocket artillery deal” published by Breaking Defense, the acquisition will significantly bolster Norway’s artillery forces, equipping them with advanced mobile launchers and precision-guided munitions capable of striking targets at ranges exceeding 80 kilometers. The first deliveries are expected to commence in 2027, with the full system to be integrated into the Norwegian Army by the end of the decade.
The decision to procure the Chunmoo system follows an extensive evaluation process in which Norwegian military planners compared multiple platforms, including Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and European offerings from KNDS and other suppliers. In selecting Chunmoo, defense officials cited its versatility, interoperability with NATO systems, and superior logistical flexibility as key factors.
The procurement includes not only the launchers but also a significant logistical and training package, maintenance capabilities, and an initial stockpile of munitions. Importantly, the deal also establishes industrial cooperation between Hanwha and Norwegian defense companies, reinforcing Norway’s long-term goal of enhancing domestic defense capabilities and technology transfer.
The choice of a South Korean system over U.S. and European options underscores a growing shift in global defense acquisition strategies. Nations are increasingly seeking partners who can deliver rapidly, offer flexible solutions, and engage in meaningful industrial collaboration. For Norway, this purchase is as much about capability improvement as it is about securing strategic autonomy in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
With Russia’s war in Ukraine underscoring the importance of long-range precision fires and NATO’s eastern flank seeing renewed attention, Norway’s investment reflects broader trends among Western militaries rearming and restructuring in response to shifting threat perceptions.
While the decision may raise eyebrows among traditional defense partners in Europe and North America, officials in Oslo have emphasized that the Chunmoo selection is driven by operational and technical needs above all. As Norway deepens its defense relationship with Seoul, the deal may pave the way for further collaboration between South Korea and European NATO members seeking proven and adaptable weapons systems.
