Breaking News
Chunmoo MLRS by Hanwha Aerospace Could Emerge as a New Platform for Cooperation with Norway.
In the context of modernizing its armed forces, Norway is looking to enhance its long-range precision strike capabilities to better address current security challenges. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is exploring two options for acquiring new Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): sourcing through the American Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program or launching an international tender. Among the proposals under consideration, the K239 Chunmoo, developed by the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, has garnered significant interest from both military decision-makers and Norwegian industry stakeholders, as reported by Business Korea.
Since 2017, Hanwha Aerospace has provided Norway with K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers, and in 2022, additional orders increased the number of K9 units to 28 and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles to 14 in Norwegian service (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The confirmation of this offer took place during the "Hanwha-Norway Industry Day" event at the NHO Conference Center in Oslo on February 26. Several key defense industry figures, including Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) and Nammo, attended the event. The South Korean Ambassador to Norway, Seo Min-Jeong, also participated, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the two countries. The K239 Chunmoo, with its combination of firepower and technological flexibility, appears as a promising option to bolster Norway’s defense capabilities.
Developed by Hanwha Aerospace in collaboration with the South Korean Agency for Defense Development, the K239 Chunmoo was commissioned in 2014 and is distinguished by its ability to fire different calibers of rockets, including 130 mm, 227 mm, and 239 mm (guided), as well as the KTSSM tactical missile, which has a range of up to 200 km. This modularity allows the system to adapt to various operational requirements, whether to neutralize artillery positions, destroy defensive installations, or target high-value assets. The Chunmoo is designed for enhanced mobility on the field with its 8x8 chassis and quick deployment capabilities, featuring four hydraulic jacks to ensure stability during firing.
One of the main strengths of the Chunmoo lies in its integration flexibility, demonstrated through its deployment in Poland’s HOMAR-K program, where it is mounted on Jelcz trucks. This adaptability is particularly relevant for Norway, as the system could be integrated onto national platforms, enhancing interoperability with other European defense systems, especially those of NATO, and also allowing the use of 122 mm rockets, a common caliber in Europe.
Beyond its technical features, the acquisition of the Chunmoo aligns with an ongoing industrial cooperation strategy between Norway and South Korea. Since 2017, Hanwha Aerospace has provided Norway with K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers, and in 2022, additional orders increased the number of K9 units to 28 and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles to 14 in Norwegian service. This partnership has been further strengthened by a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2024 at the Eurosatory defense exhibition, aimed at integrating Norwegian technologies into Hanwha’s platforms. A prior agreement in 2022 focused on collaboration in infantry fighting vehicles and long-range precision strike systems, underscoring the mutual interest of both parties in joint projects.
The K239 Chunmoo could significantly enhance Norway’s long-range precision strike capability, improving its effectiveness against potential threats in the Nordic region. As a NATO member, Norway must maintain a defense force capable of deterring any aggression, particularly due to its proximity to Russia. The Chunmoo, with its ability to fire rockets of varying calibers and strike targets up to 200 km away, would allow Norway to conduct precise strikes while providing flexibility for operations in different terrain and mission types. Additionally, its compatibility with multiple vehicle platforms would offer interoperability with other NATO defense systems.
From a geopolitical standpoint, acquiring the Chunmoo would strengthen Norway’s strategic ties with South Korea, a key partner in Asia, and diversify its military relations beyond its traditional European and American allies. In the context of increasing tensions in Eastern Europe and the Arctic, particularly with Russia, a precision strike system like the Chunmoo would provide Norway with enhanced capabilities to respond swiftly to threats and contribute to deterrence efforts. Furthermore, this cooperation could create industrial opportunities for Norwegian companies, while solidifying Norway’s position as a key player in regional defense and within NATO.
Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea's largest defense and aerospace group, continues to expand its presence in the international market. Specializing in the production of armored vehicles, and precision-guided munitions, and active in the space sector through the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV) program, the company aims to increase its footprint in Europe. The Chunmoo MLRS offer to Norway is part of this strategy, presenting a high-performance system capable of significantly enhancing Norway’s long-range artillery capabilities while contributing to collective defense within NATO in an evolving security environment.