Norway has removed Germany’s KNDS Germany with its EuroPULS system from the competition for a new multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS). As a result, the only remaining contenders are the American HIMARS and South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo, with the latter being considered the frontrunner.
According to Hartpunkt, the reasons for this decision have not yet been disclosed. However, Norwegian analysts assume that Berlin’s proposal was rejected due to price and delivery timelines, though this has not been confirmed.
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South Korean K239 Chunmoo, considered the frontrunner for Norway’s new MLRS / Open source photo
From Defense Express, we can add that the origin of EuroPULS may also be a factor. It is essentially a European-localized version of the Israeli PULS, and there are already precedents of European states refusing weapon systems involving Israeli developers as happened recently with Spain.
During the rollout ceremony for the Leopard 2A8 tanks, German representatives called for deeper cooperation and expressed interest in promoting domestic weapon systems, indicating that Germany still seeks to secure this contract.
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall are considering offering GMARS a modernized American MLRS mounted on a German chassis and equipped with two launch pods, similar to the M270. Securing this deal would be an important milestone for the system, which recently passed live-fire tests but continues to struggle in attracting buyers.
Norwegian industry is also pushing for EuroPULS, as it would be possible to localize production, strengthen regional cooperation, and enhance strategic autonomy. For example, Kongsberg the manufacturer of NSM and JSM missiles could potentially supply munitions and fire-control systems for the MLRS.
GMARS MLRS system / Photo credit: Rheinmetall
Regarding other competitors, the United States has already submitted a request for approval to sell Norway 16 M142 HIMARS launchers with ammunition and related equipment. However, media reports highlight ongoing uncertainty surrounding the deal.
As a result, the most likely choice appears to be South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo, which has already secured major contracts in Poland and is aggressively expanding across Europe. Previous deliveries of K9 self-propelled howitzers and supporting systems, along with Seoul’s readiness to provide deep localization and technology transfer, may significantly strengthen Chunmoos position.