Norway’s Chunmoo Export: A Victory for K-Defense Reliability and Diplomacy [Yang Nakgyu’s Defence Club]

Successful Export Deal Worth 2.8 Trillion Won...
Contract Expected as Early as January 31
Proven Over U.S. in NATO Compatibility, Delivery, and Performance

Hanwha Aerospace has successfully secured the contract for Norway Army's next-generation Long Range Precision Fire System (LRPFS) project. Hanwha Aerospace's selection as the final contractor for the LRPFS is attributed to the reliability of "K-Defense" and effective diplomatic efforts.

Yonhap News

According to industry sources on January 30, Norway is set to sign a contract on January 31 to purchase a package that includes 16 Cheonmu launchers from Hanwha Aerospace, along with ammunition, training, and logistics support. The total value of the project is 19 billion kroner (approximately 2.8477 trillion won). Of this, around 1 trillion won will be used for the purchase of Cheonmu systems, with the remainder allocated to infrastructure development and other related expenses.

Until now, the dominant player in the European market for multiple launch guided missile systems was the United States' Lockheed Martin with its HIMARS system, widely regarded as the NATO standard. However, the landscape shifted following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Poland began acquiring a large number of Cheonmu systems-290 units in total, valued at 12 trillion won. Subsequently, Estonia decided to procure six Cheonmu units, worth 520 billion won.

As Eastern European countries opted for the Cheonmu, Northern European nations also began to show interest in K-Defense. Norway, a key NATO member bordering Russia at the alliance's northernmost frontier, is known for its harsh climate and rugged terrain. The Norwegian military already operates the K-9 self-propelled howitzer and K-10 ammunition resupply vehicle, which has fostered strong trust in K-Defense. Hanwha Aerospace's tailored strategy also proved effective. When exporting the Redback tracked infantry fighting vehicle to Australia in 2023, Hanwha Aerospace implemented a "localized export strategy," which included local production and custom designs specific to the needs of the purchasing country. With Norway, a Northern European country, now selecting the Cheonmu, Hanwha Aerospace expects demand that began in Eastern Europe to expand into Northern Europe. In particular, this contract is expected to further strengthen its "long-range precision strike" portfolio in the European market.

The diplomatic campaign was also outstanding. Initially, Norway was reportedly weighing options between HIMARS and the Euro-PULS system from the German-French joint venture KNDS. However, the atmosphere changed after Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Presidential Secretary, visited Norway in October last year as a special envoy for "strategic economic cooperation." During his visit, Secretary Kang met with senior Norwegian government officials, delivered a personal letter from President Lee Jaemyung, and conveyed the Korean government's commitment to cooperation.

Industry insiders agree that "the success in exporting defense systems to Norway is the result of K-Defense's comprehensive evaluation in terms of delivery, performance, and total project cost, combined with a diplomatic victory."

The Cheonmu is a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) featuring modular launchers. It can be equipped with various calibers of rockets, including 130mm, 227mm, and 239mm, depending on mission requirements. It is designed to perform both mass bombardment and precision strikes. Norway's LRPFS project focuses on long-range precision strike capabilities as a core asset. The procurement package includes not only launchers and ammunition but also training, logistics support, and the establishment of operational infrastructure.