Recently completing the delivery of K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition supply vehicles ordered from the past Norwegian government, Hanwha Aerospace is actively marketing the multiple launch rocket "Cheonmoo." The Norwegian government plans to introduce a total of 16 long-range rockets by 2028, and is deliberating between Cheonmoo and the U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
According to industry reports on the 28th, Hanwha Aerospace hosted an event called "Hanwha-Norway Industry Day" in Oslo, Norway, on the 26th (local time). Attendees included high-ranking officials from more than 30 major Norwegian defense companies, including Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Nammo, as well as South Korean Ambassador to Norway, Seomin Jeong.
Hanwha Aerospace has emphasized that Cheonmoo can enhance Norway's defense industry capabilities. In particular, it actively promoted its flexibility to combine the launchers with vehicles made by various manufacturers. The Cheonmoo exported to Poland has its launcher modules manufactured in Korea, which are then integrated with Jelcz vehicles produced by the local state-owned defense company PGZ.
Another strength of Cheonmoo is that it can utilize all types of ammunition. Cheonmoo has been modified to be compatible with 122 mm ammunition, which was widely used in Europe during the past Soviet era, while preparing for export to Poland along with 239 mm guided rockets and 230 mm unguided rockets. Currently, many stocks of 122 mm ammunition are left in Europe, and introducing Cheonmoo would allow these to be utilized without the need for disposal.
Hanwha Aerospace first exhibited a full-scale Cheonmoo at the European largest defense exhibition "Eurosatory 2024" held in Paris, France, in June last year, while conducting local marketing. At that time, the company also signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway's Kongsberg regarding cooperation in ground weapons systems. This aims to integrate K9 and K10 with Kongsberg's integrated combat solutions.
Hanwha Aerospace has a long-standing partnership with Norway in the defense sector. The company successfully delivered 24 K9s and 6 K10s ordered from the Norwegian government in 2017. In 2022, the Norwegian government also made additional purchases of 4 K9s and 8 K10s, and recently, Hanwha Aerospace completed deliveries for these amounts.
The official name of the K9 self-propelled howitzer operated by the Norwegian Army is VIDAR, named after a god in Norse mythology. A company official noted, "The K9 exported to Norway has proven excellent performance locally and is regarded as having significantly contributed to the modernization of the Norwegian Army."
Hanwha Aerospace currently holds a "K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer User Club" involving 10 countries, including Korea, to share expertise annually on tactical operations, maintenance, and training. Hanwha Aerospace is considering applying this approach to Cheonmoo as well. Cheonmoo is operated in Korea, Poland, and Middle Eastern countries.