The Norwegian government has chosen the K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery system from Hanwha Aerospace, rejecting competing European and American solutions in a major defense procurement decision. The contract covers the purchase of 16 launch vehicles and a broad missile inventory, including weapons with ranges extending to 500 kilometers, significantly expanding the Norwegian Army’s long-range firepower.
Deliveries of the Chunmoo launchers and associated training systems are planned for 2028–2029, with missile shipments scheduled to follow in 2030 and 2031. Officials described the acquisition as one of the most significant investments ever made in Norway’s ground forces, reflecting a strategic shift in procurement priorities as Oslo seeks rapid access to deep-strike capabilities.
Norway’s choice follows a competitive evaluation process that saw Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and Hanwha’s Chunmoo emerge as finalists in late 2025, after the EuroPULS system was dropped from consideration. A major differentiator was the Chunmoo’s ability to fire multiple missile families, including long-range precision weapons that surpassed the performance offered by rival systems.
Cost, delivery speed, and industrial cooperation also played critical roles. Hanwha highlighted its European manufacturing footprint in Poland, where missile production is being localized and large-scale Chunmoo orders are already underway. The company also offered an industrial offset package exceeding the contract value and agreed to defer payments until deliveries commence.
By selecting the Chunmoo, Norway strengthens defense ties with South Korea and follows other NATO members that have turned to the system to quickly deploy long-range rocket artillery. The move adds a new deep-strike layer to NATO’s northern defenses at a time of heightened security concerns across Europe.
