SEOUL: South Korean defence agency Hanwha Aerospace mentioned on Monday (Feb 2) that it had gained a US$922 million contract to provide long-range artillery methods and rockets to Norway.
Norway’s defence ministry mentioned final week the nation will purchase 16 Chunmoo launch methods and an undisclosed variety of rockets for a complete value of 19 billion Norwegian crowns (US$2 billion).
Hanwha mentioned that whereas Norway’s price range for the whole mission is US$2 billion, Hanwha is offering the Chunmoo launch methods and rockets for about US$922 million, with the rest anticipated to enter organising native operations for the system, similar to upkeep services and coaching.
Seoul-based analysts mentioned that regardless of latest political stress for European international locations to purchase European arms, Hanwha Aerospace can ship each the launchers and the rockets in a a lot shorter timeframe than rivals and with better flexibility to satisfy operational wants, together with for Norway’s arctic circumstances.
“Chunmoo’s European exports will enhance. It’s estimated that it’ll take greater than 20 years for Europe to develop a brand new a number of launch rocket system,” mentioned Jang Nam-hyun, an analyst at Korea Funding & Securities.
“Hanwha Aerospace will construct a manufacturing facility in Poland for guided rockets and start supply in 2030. The secure provide of guided rockets inside Europe, along with (Hanwha’s) already-proven energy of quick supply, will function a comparative benefit.”
International locations which have purchased the Chunmoo rocket artillery system embrace Poland, Estonia and Center Jap international locations.
Norway already operates K9 self-propelled howitzers made by Hanwha.
