[비즈한국] Hanwha Aerospace012450's Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is attracting interest from Northern European countries, including Norway. If successful, the deal is expected to expand its export market and significantly strengthen its footprint in Europe.
Seok Jong-gun, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), stated in an interview following a meeting with defense industry CEOs on the 17th of last month that "negotiations for the Chunmoo are actively underway with Northern European nations, including Norway." He noted high expectations for an export contract, as these countries have shown significant interest in long-range strike weapons.
The Chunmoo was developed between 2009 and 2013 and passed military tests in 2014. It is the first weapon system in the history of the South Korean defense industry to be developed under the leadership of a private company. Deployed for frontline service in 2015, the Chunmoo is capable of firing 130mm unguided rockets, 230mm unguided rockets, 239mm guided rockets, and up to two ground-to-ground missiles with a maximum range of 300km.
The Chunmoo is favored for its rapid delivery time compared to competitors and its high price competitiveness, leading to its export and operation in three countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Poland. Furthermore, it boasts excellent compatibility, as it can fire 40 rounds of 130mm Guryong rockets in addition to its 239mm missiles. Following its export to Poland, modifications are underway to allow it to fire 122mm ammunition commonly used in Europe.
Norway is one of the key markets that Hanwha Aerospace is strategically targeting. Norway’s 2024 defense budget stands at approximately 14 trillion won, and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency issued a Request for Information (RFI) last year for the purchase of long-range rockets. Norway plans to introduce a total of 16 long-range rockets by 2028 and intends to select a preferred bidder this year. Currently, Hanwha is considered a leading supplier, aiming to provide the Chunmoo K239.
On the 15th of last month, Hanwha completed the shipment of four K9 self-propelled howitzers and eight K10 ammunition resupply vehicles contracted with Norway. This batch, part of a 2022 agreement, is scheduled to arrive in Norway and be handed over to the military in February 2025. Previously, in 2017, Hanwha signed a contract with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence for 24 K9 howitzers and 6 K10 vehicles worth approximately 318.6 billion won, followed by the additional 2022 contract for 4 K9s and 8 K10s.
In June last year, Hanwha also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for advanced defense solutions with Kongsberg, Norway’s largest defense company. Through this, Hanwha plans to enhance its export competitiveness by integrating Kongsberg’s Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) onto various land weapon platforms, including the K9, K10, and Chunmoo. The RCWS allows personnel to operate weapon systems mounted outside the vehicle from within, thereby protecting the crew.
The recent extension of the range of export-version missiles for the Chunmoo is acting as a positive factor. It is being evaluated as an attractive option by European countries, including Norway, and is expected to boost the Chunmoo’s export competitiveness.
The Chunmoo’s primary competitors are the "M270 MLRS" and "M142 HIMARS" from Lockheed Martin of the United States. According to the British military journal Jane’s, the global multiple launch rocket market is projected to reach approximately 41 trillion won between 2023 and 2032, with Lockheed Martin’s products currently holding more than a 50% market share.
DAPA plans to further accelerate efforts to secure export contracts for the Chunmoo through meetings and other channels this year. Kim Min-seok, a researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum (KODEF), analyzed, "Norway is in urgent need of multiple launch rocket systems," adding that "if the ship-to-ship anti-ship ballistic missile option proposed to Poland is included, the export competitiveness of the Chunmoo will rise even further."