Norway Orders Chunmoo Rocket Launchers from South Korea to Boost NATO Long-Range Fires.

South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract to deliver its Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System to the Norwegian Armed Forces on February 2, 2026, according to the company and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency. The deal strengthens NATO-aligned long-range fires in Northern Europe and marks a strategic expansion of South Korean defense exports into the Nordic region.

Hanwha Aerospace has secured its first flagship defense contract of 2026 after Norway formally selected the K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System as its next-generation long-range precision fires solution. Announced jointly by Hanwha and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency, the agreement reflects Norway’s push to modernize its ground-based strike capabilities in line with NATO operational concepts, while also signaling a deepening defense partnership between Norway and South Korea amid heightened regional security demands in Europe.
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The Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System is a modular, truck-mounted, long-range fires platform capable of launching guided rockets and tactical missiles up to 290 km, providing NATO forces with high-mobility precision-strike capability in all-weather and extreme-climate conditions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The K239 Chunmoo MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) contract is valued at approximately $922 million within Norway’s broader long-range fires modernization program, which carries an overall projected budget of nearly 2 billion dollars. Under the terms of the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will deliver 16 Chunmoo launch vehicles along with a package of precision-guided rockets and missiles, supported by a comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support framework covering training, spares, technical documentation, and long-term sustainment. Norwegian defense officials indicated that the contract structure prioritizes rapid operational readiness, high system availability, and scalability for future munitions growth.

The signing ceremony took place in Oslo on January 30, 2026, underscoring the program's political and strategic weight. The contract was formally signed by Jae-il Son, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hanwha Aerospace, and Gro Jære, Director General of NDMA, in the presence of senior representatives from both governments and armed forces. Attendees included Hoon-sik Kang, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea, Hyun-jong Kim, First Deputy Director of National Security, Yong-chul Lee, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and Ambassador Min-jung Seo, alongside Norwegian State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen and Major General Lars Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army.

Norway’s selection of Chunmoo follows nearly a decade of close cooperation with Hanwha Aerospace that began with the 2017 acquisition of 52 K9 VIDAR 155 mm self-propelled howitzers and 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. According to Norwegian Army officers previously interviewed by Army Recognition during cold-weather exercises, the K9 fleet demonstrated high reliability, accuracy, and availability in Arctic conditions, reinforcing confidence in Hanwha’s engineering quality and logistics performance. This proven sustainment model became a decisive technical reference during the evaluation of long-range fires solutions.

The Chunmoo MRLS itself represents one of the most versatile and modular rocket artillery systems currently in service. Mounted on a high-mobility 8x8 truck chassis, the system is designed for rapid shoot-and-scoot operations, automated loading, and reduced crew workload. Its modular launcher architecture allows it to fire multiple types of rockets and missiles from interchangeable pods, enabling operators to tailor firepower to mission requirements without modifying the vehicle.

In its standard configuration, the K239 Chunmoo can fire 239 mm guided and unguided rockets with ranges exceeding 80 kilometers, optimized for area suppression and precision strikes against high-value targets. The system can also launch 400 mm-class tactical missiles, such as the CTM-290, which provides precision strike capability at approximately 290 kilometers. These missiles are equipped with GPS and inertial navigation guidance, providing high accuracy against command posts, logistics hubs, air defense sites, and other time-sensitive targets. In South Korean service, Chunmoo has also been integrated with 131 mm and 230 mm rocket options, highlighting its adaptability across different calibers and mission profiles.

For the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Chunmoo configuration has been optimized for operations in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Hanwha Aerospace confirmed that cold-weather adaptations include reinforced thermal management systems, hardening of low-temperature electronics, and mobility enhancements for deep snow and icy terrain. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with Norway’s existing command, control, and fire control infrastructure, enabling sensor-to-shooter connectivity within joint and NATO frameworks. Norwegian defense planners emphasized that this level of interoperability is critical as Oslo strengthens deterrence and collective defense along NATO’s northern flank.

From an operational perspective, Chunmoo provides Norway with a significant leap in deep-strike and counter-battery capability, complementing existing artillery assets such as the K9 VIDAR and enhancing joint fires coordination with allied air and naval forces. Defense analysts note that the combination of long-range precision guidance and high mobility aligns closely with NATO’s evolving emphasis on distributed, survivable fires in contested environments.

With Norway’s decision, the European footprint of the Chunmoo system continues to expand. Poland was the first European country to select Chunmoo, signing large-scale contracts as part of its rapid military modernization effort following heightened security concerns on NATO’s eastern flank. Estonia has also selected the system to strengthen its long-range fires capability and interoperability with allied forces. Norway now joins this growing European user community, reinforcing Chunmoo’s position as a credible alternative to U.S.-origin and legacy Soviet-era rocket artillery systems within NATO.

Beyond Europe, Chunmoo is already in service with the Republic of Korea and has been exported to several countries in the Middle East. This expanding international user base is expected to generate operational and logistical synergies, particularly in ammunition development, training, and sustainment. Industry sources told Army Recognition that shared logistics frameworks and potential multinational cooperation could improve readiness while reducing lifecycle costs for participating nations.

Hanwha Aerospace also plans to deepen cooperation with the Norwegian industry under the program. The company confirmed it is actively exploring opportunities for local industrial participation, including joint development initiatives, system integration, and local testing in Norway. Such cooperation aligns with Oslo’s defense-industrial policy, which prioritizes domestic involvement, technology transfer, and long-term sustainment capabilities for major procurement programs.

Commenting on the agreement, Jae-il Son stated that Norway’s selection of K239 Chunmoo MLRS reflects the trust built through the successful delivery and operation of the K9 self-propelled howitzer fleet. He added that Hanwha Aerospace remains committed to contributing to the long-term security of the Nordic region through close cooperation with Norway and by further strengthening its role as a strategic defense partner in Europe. Norwegian officials described the contract as both a substantial capability upgrade and a symbol of deepening bilateral defense cooperation amid heightened regional and transatlantic security challenges.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.