The Norwegian Army has recently confirmed the selection of the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket artillery system, developed by South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, to strengthen its long-range strike and fire support capabilities. The decision, officially announced by the Norwegian government, is part of a contract valued at around US$2 billion and represents a key step in the modernization process of the European country’s land forces.
Norway’s Ministry of Defence highlighted that the Chunmoo system was chosen to meet the requirement for long-range precision fires, a capability considered a priority based on lessons learned from current conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. The agreement includes the acquisition of launcher systems, munitions, support systems, and training packages, although official figures regarding the exact number of units to be procured have not yet been disclosed. Under the contract, Hanwha will deliver launch units and training equipment between 2028 and 2029, while rockets and missiles are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2031.
The K239 Chunmoo is a rocket artillery system mounted on a high-mobility 8×8 tactical vehicle, designed to employ interchangeable launch modules that allow the firing of different types of guided and unguided rockets, as well as ballistic missiles. Its modular architecture provides a high degree of operational flexibility, enabling it to adapt both to tactical fire support missions and to deep precision strikes — a feature particularly sought after by the Norwegian Armed Forces.
According to statements reported by various media outlets, officials in Oslo emphasized that the selection of the South Korean system was driven not only by technical criteria but also by delivery timelines and industrial reliability, viewing the Chunmoo as a mature solution with rapid integration capabilities and compatibility with NATO operational standards.
Previously, the Norwegian government had also confirmed the acquisition and induction of a new batch of K9 self-propelled howitzers, further expanding the Norwegian artillery’s indirect fire capabilities. In this way, the Nordic country is consolidating its modernization efforts by shaping a modern artillery structure that combines self-propelled howitzers and long-range rocket artillery systems under a common technological framework.
Beyond this, from a strategic perspective, the adoption of the K239 fits into the European country’s broader effort to strengthen its deterrence and rapid response capabilities, in a context marked by the deterioration of the security environment in Northern Europe and the Arctic flank. The system’s combination of mobility, range, and precision will allow the Norwegian Army to significantly enhance its ability to support national and allied forces in high-intensity scenarios.
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