Hanwha Aerospace Proposes Chunmoo MLRS for Norway, Strengthening Defence Ties

Hanwha Aerospace has officially confirmed its offer of the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch System (MLRS) to the Norwegian Armed Forces, marking another step in the deepening defence cooperation between South Korea and Norway. The announcement came during the ‘Hanwha-Norway Industry Day’ held at the NHO Conference in Oslo on February 26, where key Norwegian defence industry leaders gathered.

The event saw participation from major defence firms such as Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) and Nammo, alongside more than 30 other companies. The presence of South Korea’s Ambassador to Norway, Seo Min-Jeong, further highlighted the growing strategic relationship between the two nations.

The Chunmoo MLRS is a state-of-the-art 239mm multiple rocket launcher system developed by Hanwha Aerospace in collaboration with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development. With long-range precision strike capabilities, the system has drawn considerable interest from Norwegian defence stakeholders.

One of the Chunmoo’s key strengths is its adaptability. Hanwha Aerospace emphasized that the system can be integrated with a variety of vehicles and launchers, as seen in Poland’s HOMAR-K program, which successfully combined Chunmoo launchers with Jelcz trucks. Additionally, the system is designed to fire multiple types of ammunition, including 40 rounds of 130mm rockets. Ongoing development aims to support compatibility with the widely used European 122mm standard, further enhancing its potential for integration into Norway’s defence infrastructure.

Hanwha Aerospace’s engagement with Norway is not new. In 2017, the company secured a contract to supply K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers, followed by additional agreements in 2022. This partnership has resulted in the delivery of 28 K9 howitzers and 14 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles to the Norwegian military.

Further cementing this collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KDA at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in France in June 2024. The agreement aims to integrate Kongsberg’s Integrated Combat Solution (ICS), Digital Vehicle Platform, and Remote Weapon Systems into Hanwha’s defence platforms. A previous MOU, signed in 2022, focused on cooperation in Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and Long-Range Precision Fire Systems (LRPFS), demonstrating a long-term commitment to joint defence initiatives.

Hanwha Aerospace stands as South Korea’s leading aerospace and defence enterprise, specializing in land combat vehicles, precision-guided munitions, and space technologies. With its active role in the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV) program, the company is expanding its footprint beyond conventional defence, reinforcing its position as a key player in global security.

The Chunmoo MLRS offer to Norway represents not just an advanced military solution but also an opportunity for further collaboration between the two countries, strengthening ties in both defence and technology.