Hanwha Aerospace Norway Rocket Deal 2026: $1.9B Contract Imminent

Can South Korea’s defense giant clinch a massive victory in the Arctic? Hanwha Aerospace is reportedly on the verge of securing a $1.9 billion deal to supply long-range rockets to Norway. Industry watchers suggest a final decision is just days away, potentially marking one of the most significant European export wins for the company this year.

Hanwha Aerospace Norway Rocket Deal 2026 Timeline

The Norwegian parliament is scheduled to hold a plenary vote on the procurement authorization bill on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. According to Endre Lunde, a special adviser at the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), the transition from parliamentary approval to contract signature typically takes "days, not weeks." This timeline places the formal signing in a likely early-February window.

Hanwha's K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is the frontrunner for this project. The company is competing against the American defense titan Lockheed Martin. While the bidding process remains confidential, Norwegian media and industry insiders have consistently identified Hanwha as the leading contender due to its competitive pricing and proven reliability in northern climates.

Overcoming Past Challenges in the Nordic Market

Despite the optimistic outlook, Hanwha remains cautious. The memory of Hyundai Rotem's K2 tank losing to Germany's KMW in 2023 still looms large. However, Hanwha has a stronger track record in Norway, having signed its third contract for K9 Vidar howitzers as recently as September 2025. The main hurdles remaining are Norway's strict requirements for technology transfer and a political debate in parliament where opposition parties favor a "European solution" for better NATO interoperability.