The Norwegian parliament has approved the allocation of USD 2 billion for the procurement of long-range artillery systems. In practice, this almost certainly refers to modern MLRS, with the South Korean K239 Chunmoo widely expected to prevail.
Reuters reported on the decision, noting that lawmakers described the system as a weapon capable of striking targets far beyond the frontline and as decisive on the modern battlefield. The new systems are intended to strengthen deterrence against russia in northern regions, where Norway shares a direct border with russia.
Read more: New Threats to russian Naval Bases: Estonia Buys K239 Chunmoo Alongside HIMARS, Enabling Ballistic Strikes Near St. Petersburg
South Korean K239 Chunmoo MLRS / Open source photo
Several days earlier, on January 24, the Norwegian outlet Aftenposten, citing its own sources, reported that Norway had selected the K239 Chunmoo. This effectively marked the final loss of the American M142 HIMARS in the competition.
According to available reports, the MLRS offered by South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace met all Norwegian requirements. Particular emphasis was placed on its ability to engage targets at ranges of up to 500 km, as well as on short delivery timelines that competing systems were unable to offer.
South Korean K239 Chunmoo MLRS / Open source photo
Overall, for NOK 19.5 billion, or approximately USD 2 billion, Norway plans to procure 16 launchers along with an undisclosed number of missiles. An official announcement of the winner and the signing of a contract are expected in the near future.
From Defense Express, it is worth noting that this represents yet another victory of the K239 Chunmoo over HIMARS, driven in part by the production capacity and flexibility of South Korea’s defense industry. While Estonia opted to procure both systems, Norway chose a single solution.
K239 Chunmoo MLRS on Polish Jelcz chassis designated Homar-K / Photo credit: Hanwha Aerospace
An interesting aspect of the debate was the proposal by some members of the Norwegian parliament to develop a European analog, similar to Spain’s approach. However, this option was deemed too expensive and likely to take too long, whereas South Korea can offer missile localization, as is already being implemented in Poland.
It is also worth recalling that, for political reasons, the German-Israeli EuroPULS system was excluded from the competition altogether, casting uncertainty over its future. As a result, the K239 Chunmoo may continue securing new contracts in Europe until the continent begins producing its own MLRS.
Read more: Norway Drops EuroPULS: Only HIMARS, South Korea’s Chunmoo Still in Fight