Oslo: Hanwha Aerospace Co., a South Korean defense firm, has signed a substantial defense contract to supply land-based long-range precision artillery systems to Norway, as announced by Oslo's arms procurement agency. Under this agreement, valued at 19 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately US$1.9 billion), Hanwha Aerospace will deliver its K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) to the Norwegian Armed Forces, as confirmed by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) in a press release.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the contract signing ceremony took place in Oslo, attended by senior officials from both South Korea and Norway. The Chunmoo systems are set to enhance the Norwegian Army's capabilities with missiles that have a range of up to 500 kilometers. The deal encompasses mobile launchers, numerous precision-guided missiles, as well as training and logistical support.
NDMA Director General Gro Jaere noted, "Based on the bids we received, our assessment is that Hanwha's Chunmoo system provides the Norwegian Armed Forces with the best combination of performance, cost and ability to deliver." Son Jae-il, president and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, expressed the company's intention to strengthen its partnership with Norwegian industry through cooperation on local testing and joint development.
Norway's selection of Hanwha Aerospace followed an international competition initiated in November 2024, which included European and U.S. defense companies. Hanwha was deemed the only supplier to meet all performance, delivery schedule, and cost requirements.
According to the Norwegian government, delivery of the launch systems and training equipment is planned for 2028-2029, while missile deliveries are scheduled for 2030-2031. Missile production is to be established in Poland, where the same system is also being procured.
Hanwha Aerospace has proposed an industrial cooperation program with Norwegian companies, equivalent to 120 percent of the contract value. This agreement signifies Hanwha Aerospace's ongoing success in the Nordic defense market, following its previous contracts to supply K9 Vidar self-propelled howitzers to Norway.
Industry observers highlight that the deal reinforces Hanwha's growing presence in Europe and its capacity to meet the strict operational and industrial demands of European defense clients.