A K9 self-propelled howitzer operating in the Middle Eastern desert. (Photo provided by Hanwha Aerospace)
SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense manufacturer, said on Monday that it aims to expand its role as a long-term security partner in the Nordic region, building on a major rocket system contract it secured from Norway last week.
The agreement, valued at about $2 billion, calls for Hanwha to supply the Norwegian Armed Forces with 16 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems, along with precision-guided missiles and integrated logistics support. The contract was signed Friday with Norway’s Defence Materiel Agency.
In a statement, Son Jae-il, Hanwha Aerospace’s president and chief executive, said Norway’s decision reflected trust cultivated over years of cooperation, particularly through earlier deliveries of the company’s K9 self-propelled howitzers.
This photo, provided by Hanwha Aerospace Co., shows the South Korean arms maker’s Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system.(Yonhap)
“Hanwha Aerospace remains committed to contributing to the long-term security of the Nordic region,” Mr. Son said, adding that the company intends to work closely with Norway while strengthening its position as a strategic defense partner.
Norway’s selection of the Chunmoo system follows nearly a decade of defense collaboration. Since 2017, the Norwegian military has procured 52 K9 Vidar self-propelled howitzers and 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles from Hanwha, forming the backbone of its modern artillery forces.
The company said it now plans to deepen industrial cooperation with Norwegian partners, including joint development projects and local testing, as part of a broader effort to expand its footprint across the Nordic defense market.
A U.S. Marine operates Hanwha Aerospace’s multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle, Arion-SMET. (Photo provided by Hanwha Aerospace)
Industry analysts say the deal underscores Hanwha Aerospace’s growing influence in Europe, where heightened security concerns have accelerated demand for advanced artillery and rocket systems. For Hanwha, the Norwegian contract is not only a commercial success but also a foothold in a region increasingly central to Europe’s evolving defense architecture.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
