Norway Selects Hanwha for $2B Rocket Artillery Deal
In a significant step toward reinforcing its long-range firepower, Norway has selected South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace to supply its new ground-based rocket artillery system in a deal worth approximately $2 billion. The agreement, announced on January 29, represents one of the largest defense procurements in Norway’s modern history and underscores the country’s strategic emphasis on deterring aggression through enhanced military capabilities.
The selection follows an international competition led by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), which evaluated submissions from several global defense companies. According to the original report titled “Norway picks Hanwha to supply rocket artillery in $2 billion deal,” published by Defense News, Hanwha’s bid included the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), along with components and subsystems tailored to meet Norway’s specific operational requirements.
The system is expected to enter operational service by the end of the decade and will bolster the Royal Norwegian Army’s ability to conduct precision long-range strikes, a capability deemed increasingly essential amid growing tensions in Europe and the evolving threat landscape along NATO’s eastern flank. While the precise delivery schedule remains undisclosed, officials indicated that the framework agreement also allows for significant flexibility in future procurement.
Norway’s defense leadership has stressed that the acquisition is part of its broader modernization plan, aimed not only at replacing outdated Cold War-era systems but also at ensuring interoperability with NATO allies. The move is aligned with the alliance’s increasing focus on eastern deterrence and rapid response abilities, as outlined in the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept.
Hanwha Aerospace’s Chunmoo system can fire a variety of guided and unguided munitions with ranges exceeding 80 kilometers, and it has already been adopted by South Korea and several other countries. Its modular design and adaptability to different firing solutions were reportedly key factors in the NDMA’s decision, offering enhanced operational flexibility across diverse terrains, including Norway’s challenging northern regions.
The strategic cooperation also hints at deepening defense ties between Norway and South Korea, which have both expressed growing interest in enhancing bilateral security and technological collaboration. Hanwha, which supplies a range of land combat systems globally, will work closely with Norwegian defense firms to incorporate local technology and provide logistical support, ensuring compliance with Norway’s industrial participation commitments.
As European nations continue to reassess their defense postures in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, national investments in high-precision, long-range artillery systems have become a pressing priority. By opting for the Chunmoo platform, Norwegian defense planners are signaling a clear shift toward greater deterrent strength and enhanced battlefield mobility.
The procurement further cements Hanwha’s expanding footprint in the European defense market, following similar recent deals with Poland and other NATO-member states. With this landmark agreement, Norway positions itself to play a more robust role in collective defense and crisis response within the transatlantic alliance.
