Powerful Nordic Fire on Russia: The Arctic Council's 30th Anniversary

Rather than marking the 30th anniversary of the Arctic Council—the premier high-level intergovernmental forum for fostering cooperation, coordination, and environmental protection in the Arctic—with a celebratory mood, a review of achievements, and a look toward future collaboration, Sweden, Norway, and Finland are instead marking the occasion by radically bolstering their military forces directed against Russia.

As indicated by the press reports and official statements from these three neighbors cited below, Sweden and Finland—formerly neutral nations and now NATO newcomers—will join Norway in developing a strike capability by 2030 (the year the EU has projected for the start of a war with Russia) that clearly exceeds what is necessary for credible military deterrence against Russia.

This article deliberately excludes air-based delivery systems for air-to-ground munitions, as the combined fleet of 210 combat aircraft from Finland, Norway, and Sweden will be augmented in the prewar period by an unknown number of combat aircraft from Denmark, the UK, Germany, France, and possibly the US.

Also excluded from consideration is the potential use of drones in this theater of operations, as the situation regarding the production and employment of these weapon systems will change radically by 2030.

We therefore limit ourselves to a tally and a military-strategic analysis of the consequences of the unprecedented buildup of Swedish-, South Korean-, and US-made long-range artillery and multiple launch rocket systems by these three Nordic nations.

These countries have decisively—and seemingly for the long term, if not permanently—abandoned good-neighborly relations and cooperation with Russia, opting instead for a course that endangers their very existence by betting on inflicting a military defeat on Russia in a conventional coalition war.

In effect, Sweden, Norway, and—especially—Finland are positioning themselves as “suicide states” for NATO. They believe that the frontline status they have voluntarily adopted grants them certain advantages in the event of a potential conventional war against Russia, allowing them to serve as a bastion of Western democracy against Eastern “autocracy.”

As is well known, Western thinking has historically—since the Enlightenment—been characterized by a linear mindset, in which a clear advantage in conventional military power is viewed as both a necessary and sufficient condition for victory over a weaker adversary.

Such calculations fail to account for the nonlinearity stemming from the fact that Russia possesses the world’s most powerful tactical nuclear arsenal. One hardly needs a massive club to swat three flies sitting on a nearby post; a rubber flyswatter suffices.

The false confidence held by the nations on NATO’s northern flank—that they could inflict a military defeat on Russia in the country’s northwest—is evidently another product of this linear thinking: the combined population of the three Nordic countries exceeds 20 million, compared with fewer than 10 million people living in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad, Murmansk, and Arkhangelsk regions, and Karelia.

The strategic depth of the three Nordic countries far exceeds that of this part of northwestern Russia—particularly if the UK were to join the hostilities in the region, to say nothing of Canadian and US military forces.

The transport infrastructure of the three Nordic countries is vastly superior to that of northwestern Russia; the same applies to mobilization rates and the capacity to station armed forces near the Russian border, given the availability of vacant housing and administrative buildings in the depopulating Arctic regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

As indicated by jubilant media reports in the three Nordic countries, by 2030 their armed forces will possess a manifold superiority over the troops of the Leningrad Military District in terms of artillery and multiple launch rocket systems—the latter capable of firing nearly 13,000 rounds to a range of up to 50 kilometers in a single salvo lasting just a few minutes. Of this total, nearly 10,000 are accounted for by Finland, with its large fleet of South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers.

Finland’s 41 US-made MLRS units can strike targets at a range of 80 km with a simultaneous salvo of 492 precision-guided rockets, or engage targets up to 500 km away with 82 missiles. The 16 South Korean Chunmoo K239 multiple launch rocket systems being acquired by Norway can fire 192 rockets at a range of 80 km in a single salvo.

Norway became the first foreign customer to order the latest variant of guided missiles with a range of up to 500 km (presumably the upcoming CTM-500 tactical missiles). The package also includes shorter-range munitions (across three categories).

The CGR-080 rockets (12 per launcher) have a range of up to 80 km; the 280 mm CTM-MR guided missiles have a range of up to 160 km; and the 600 mm CTM-290 tactical ballistic missiles (two per pod) have a range of 290 km.

It is not yet entirely clear how many American HIMARS systems Sweden will purchase; it is known only that the number will exceed ten, providing a salvo capacity of at least 60 precision-guided missiles.

The geography of northern Scandinavia and Finnish Lapland—characterized by short distances, a well-developed road network, and military interoperability honed during exercises—allows for the rapid assembly (within hours) of superior missile and artillery formations capable of striking and defeating any Russian military forces in the region at a range of up to 500 kilometers.

The objective of this massive artillery fire—capable of reaching targets up to 50 km deep within Russian territory, and which the three Nordic nations could sustain almost indefinitely given the millions of shells stockpiled by 2030—is to create an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) zone for Russian forces and ensure the destruction of all military targets within the tactical-operational zone.

The wide variety of missiles with differing ranges available for American and South Korean multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) allows for the reliable engagement of targets at both operational and strategic depths: the entire Kola Peninsula, all of Karelia, St. Petersburg, the entire Leningrad Region, and—at the limit of their range—Arkhangelsk with its major military-industrial complex.

Under no circumstances could the Russian armed forces counter such intense artillery fire within the 40–50 km border zone, nor could they reliably defend critical military installations located within that 500 km operational-strategic depth, while simultaneously having to defend the isthmus between the Baltic and Black Seas.

This leaves Russia’s military-political leadership with only one option: to launch either a preemptive or a launch-on-warning strike—whether counter-value, counter-force, or both—using tactical nuclear weapons against its former partners in the Arctic Council.

The development of a potent offensive capability against Russia by the three Nordic nations creates a paradox: the stronger they become militarily, the more likely Russia is to use nuclear weapons against them if attacked. Any military conflict south of the Baltic, provoked by NATO, would also inevitably lead to the realization of this scenario.

This is the ultimate outcome of the cooperation within the Arctic Council that persisted until 2022—the inevitable result of the actions taken by the three Nordic nations that previously enjoyed security.

“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”—William Shakespeare

A Powerful Swedish Missile Salvo Against Russia#

The government authorized the Swedish Armed Forces to acquire the American rocket artillery system HIMARS. At the same time, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen are signing a letter of intent regarding cooperation on the countries’ rocket artillery systems.

On Monday, September 7, it was announced that Sweden is acquiring the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, M142). It is an American wheeled rocket and missile system developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Army.

“Acquiring HIMARS and gaining a long-range, precision ground-strike capability is important—not only for the Army but for the Armed Forces as a whole and for our allies,” says Major General Johan Pekkari, Chief of the Army.

Launcher and Ammunition#

It is important to distinguish between the HIMARS launcher and the ammunition. HIMARS is the platform; its actual range and effect are largely determined by the specific missile or rocket loaded. The range of currently available ammunition varies from 80 to 300 kilometers or more, depending on the type.

Equally important is that HIMARS, with its various ammunition types, contributes to operational freedom of action and, ultimately, to NATO’s collective deterrence and defense.

The system is mounted on a 6×6 truck chassis and operated by a three-person crew. The vehicle can be transported by cargo aircraft without prior preparation.

“The system will be organized as a rocket artillery unit within the division established under the 2024 Defense Bill. This gives the division the capability to engage the adversary at tactical depth, beyond their front lines,” says Johan Pekkari.

An ammunition factory will also open on Swedish soil next year to supply the systems and meet high global demand.

“We need to produce much more ammunition in Sweden and in Europe,” says Pål Jonson.

A Proven System#

HIMARS is used by the US and a number of NATO countries. This allows the Swedish Armed Forces to rapidly integrate the system, which is combat-proven.

The US is currently conducting further development of the platform, command-and-control capabilities, and the ammunition itself. It can also be integrated into modern command-and-control systems and thus form part of a larger system of sensors and engagement assets.

Acquiring rocket artillery gives the Swedish Armed Forces the ability to operate over vast areas and at greater ranges than current systems allow. Cooperation with Finland also enhances capabilities for the defense of Northern Europe.

“The introduction of rocket artillery clearly demonstrates that Sweden is assuming its responsibility for security in Europe. The letter of intent with Finland aims to strengthen capacity building, sustainment, and security of supply for the systems. Together, we are developing a vital capability for NATO’s collective defense,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

Playing a Key Role in Defense#

Rocket artillery plays a key role in engaging targets at ranges exceeding those of conventional artillery and in conducting precision strikes deep behind enemy lines. Given the security situation, there is a need for a rapidly deployable capability that complements conventional artillery systems—such as Archer and mortars—and is compatible with allied systems.

The HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is manufactured by the American supplier Lockheed Martin. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. The acquisition cost is approximately SEK 7 billion, funded through the Swedish Armed Forces’ regular investment plan and within the framework of an accelerated procurement. The procurement of rocket artillery is part of the Total Defence Bill for 2025–2030.

In parallel with the procurement, the supplier Lockheed Martin and Sweden’s Saab are signing a letter of intent regarding cooperation on the potential integration of Saab ammunition (GLSDB) and the production of ammunition for HIMARS and other systems, such as the Patriot air defense system. These are important contributions to enhancing the security of ammunition supply.

Swedish-Finnish Capability Cooperation#

Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen have also signed a letter of intent regarding cooperation on the two countries’ rocket artillery capabilities.

The cooperation may encompass areas such as training, education, and capability development, as well as maintenance, security of supply, and production collaboration.

Finland operates the MLRS (M270) system, which uses the same ammunition and shares some of the same components as HIMARS.

Finland’s Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen was also present, as Sweden further strengthens its defense cooperation with Finland—this time involving the maintenance, servicing, and joint training associated with the new weapon systems.

“We are taking a new step in our bilateral defense cooperation. We have long been building a close defense partnership with Finland, and long-range artillery will become an important part of that,” says Pål Jonson.

According to Jonson, Sweden will also be able to have the systems armed and operational as early as next year. According to the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, the range extends from 15 kilometers to over 500 kilometers, depending on the launch platform and other external factors.

New Long-Range Artillery of Sweden#

During a formal ceremony held in brilliant sunshine at the Villingsberg firing range on August 25, 2026, the first new Archer 8×8 systems were handed over from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to the Army, and subsequently to the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment (A 9).

“The upgraded version of the Archer artillery system represents a significant increase in capability for the Army and the artillery. The Archer 8×8 will be crucial for strengthening artillery capabilities in southern Sweden and on Gotland. Modern warfare relies on indirect fire and requires long-range systems,” says Brigadier General Per Nilsson, Acting Chief of the Army.

The Archer 8×8 has a range of over 50 kilometers, depending on the ammunition used, and is manufactured in Karlskoga by BAE Systems Bofors.

Collaboration for Excellent Results#

“When government agencies and industry collaborate, the results are excellent. We are not merely building materiel systems together; we are building Swedish defense capability. Today’s handover marks an important step for both the Swedish Armed Forces’ operational capability and the expansion of the Swedish artillery,” says Jonas Lotsne, Head of the Army Materiel Division at FMV.

FMV has signed a contract with BAE Systems Bofors for the procurement of 48 Archer 8×8 systems.

Introduction During the 2026–27 Conscription Year#

“The Archer 8×8 is being introduced at A 9 during the autumn of 2026. The new version is being fully integrated into conscript training starting this training year (2026–27) and will become part of future combat units,” says Colonel Henrik Rosdahl, Commander of the Bergslagen Artillery Regiment (A 9).

Increased Operational and Tactical Mobility#

The Archer 8×8 is a 155 mm artillery system integrated onto an all-terrain 8×8 vehicle capable of road speeds of up to 90 km/h. Building on experience gained from the Archer 6×6, the system provides the Swedish Armed Forces with enhanced operational and tactical mobility. It can enter and exit firing positions in approximately 20 seconds, meaning it can fire six rounds, leave the firing position, and move 500 meters in less than two minutes—all while the crew remains inside the armored cabin.

Sweden ordered 48 Archer 8×8 systems from BAE Systems for $500 million in September 2023, followed by an additional order for 18 howitzers in 2025.

The initial four systems will be used to train conscripts, with two additional systems scheduled for delivery in the fall. Delivery of the remaining units is expected to be completed by 2030.

“Archer 8×8 will be introduced at Bergslagen’s Artillery Regiment A 9 in the fall of 2026,” Regimental Commander of Bergslagen’s Artillery Regiment A 9 Colonel Henrik Rosdahl said.

The truck-based Archer 8×8 replaces the dumper-based chassis of the Archer 6×6 while retaining its 155 mm artillery capability.

Sweden’s 24 Archer 6×6 systems have now been upgraded to the “Version C” standard, which includes a new command support system and other vehicle enhancements.

“The truck variant is easy to maneuver, easy to drive, and is generally more comfortable than the Archer 6×6 because it has truck standards,” Project Manager for Archer 8×8 at Sweden’s defense procurement agency, Lars Taraldsson, said.

“It also has slightly higher protection for the personnel. But the big difference is that you can get around faster on the roads, which gives better operational movement capacity.”

The Archer 8×8 can reach road speeds of 80 to 90 kilometers (50 to 56 miles) per hour, compared with 50 to 60 kilometers (31 to 37 miles) per hour for the dumper-based Archer 6×6.

Let us take stock so far: 66 new Swedish self-propelled artillery systems can fire 1,386 rounds at the enemy in just over two minutes.

Since the loading system is fully automated, the crews of the upgraded Archer 6×6 systems can fire their entire onboard magazine of 21 rounds in approximately 2.5 to 3 minutes without leaving the splinter-protected cabin. The combined salvo of these systems amounts to 504 rounds within a few minutes.

Both systems can subsequently be fully reloaded in about 8–10 minutes using an associated ammunition vehicle.

Although it shares no land border with Russia, Sweden could easily deploy its 90 wheeled self-propelled guns to Norway or Finland by 2030 to reinforce those countries’ already formidable artillery forces. This would extend their firing range by an additional 10 km, creating both a continuous kill zone and an area-denial zone reaching up to 45 km into Russian territory.

With a combined initial load of 1,890 rounds across the 90 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, the Swedish artillery contingent would add nearly 20% to Finland’s massive artillery salvo capacity of nearly 10,000 rounds, or to the 1,344-round salvo capacity of Norway’s 28 K9 self-propelled howitzers.

A Tsunami of Finnish Artillery and Missile Fire Against Russia#

In February 2017, a contract worth €146 million was signed, authorizing the Finnish Defence Forces to acquire 48 used 155 mm K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea.

The acquisition is being carried out as part of the Operational Artillery project, which was launched in 2014. The purpose of the project is to replace artillery equipment that is due to be retired. The goal was to find a long-range, mobile artillery system capable of effectively supporting the operations of operational forces. In practical terms, this meant a 155 mm gun—either tracked or wheeled—with a service life extending into the 2050s.

Several different options were examined during the initial phase of the Operational Artillery project. A Request for Information (RFI) was issued as part of the project, eliciting responses from various countries. During the Request for Quotation (RFQ) phase, it emerged that South Korea was interested in offering Finland its own lightly used K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. The offer proved attractive, and the howitzer was brought to Rovajärvi for field tests in November 2016.

Following the tests, the Finnish Defence Forces proposed acquiring used K9 self-propelled howitzers to form the basis of a new type of unit: a heavy self-propelled howitzer battery. In addition to the howitzers themselves, the unit requires the acquisition of systems for fire control, command and control, and logistics. Alongside equipment procurement, training instructions and safety regulations must be drafted, and both personnel and conscripts must undergo training.

Upon completion of the delivery of the second batch of South Korean self-propelled howitzers, the Finnish Army will possess 208 modern combat vehicles capable of delivering a salvo of 9,984 shells to a range of 40 km. Targets within this strike range include, for instance, military and civilian sites in Vyborg, Sortavala, Kostomuksha, Alakurtti, Kovdor, and Nikel.

By the time of the war against Russia—slated for 2029–2030 by the EU—Finland will possess a virtually inexhaustible supply of 155 mm shells, the production of which has more than doubled since early 2024 with EU funding.

In practical terms, this means the creation of a continuous “kill zone” extending approximately 35 km into adjacent Russian territory—even without employing aerial unmanned strike systems, which would target more distant civilian and military objectives.

Given this massive stockpile of 155 mm shells, Finland’s self-propelled artillery alone could—for an extended period—enforce an area-denial zone against Russian forces across the 35-km-deep impact area along the entire 1,270-km land border. This capability eliminates the need to deploy ground troops to control the 44,450 square kilometers of territory belonging to Finland’s former partner in the Arctic Council.

More Used 155 mm K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers from South Korea#

The Ministry of Defence and the South Korean state agency KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) signed the procurement contract in Helsinki on April 9, 2026. The procurement comprises 112 used K9 self-propelled howitzers, along with spare parts and maintenance systems. The total value of the procurement is 546.8 million euros.

“This procurement is a cost-effective way to enhance the performance of the Army’s artillery. It is part of the Army modernization outlined in the Defence White Paper, which will be implemented over the next ten years. At the same time, this serves as strong evidence of the close cooperation between the defense administrations of Finland and South Korea,” states Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen.

The procurement will further improve the Army’s firepower and its ability to support operational troops with artillery equipment that offers long range and excellent cross-country and road mobility. The acquisition will partially replace aging light towed artillery equipment.

Finland first acquired K9 self-propelled howitzers in 2017 through a government-to-government deal with KOTRA, an agency of the Republic of Korea. A total of 96 K9 self-propelled howitzers have previously been procured for the Army.

The self-propelled howitzers are sourced from South Korea, but national modifications are carried out on the vehicles in Finland before they enter service. Furthermore, domestic capabilities for the system’s maintenance and repair were established at the time of the initial procurement.

The procurement is included in the planned budget framework of the defense administration.

Powerful Rocket Fire on Russia#

The Finnish Defence Forces currently operate 41 heavy tracked M270 launchers (known in Finland as the 298 RsRakH 06). These systems utilize the same types of ammunition and components as the wheeled HIMARS.

A specialized maintenance and repair center for the fire control systems of M270 and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems—the first of its kind in Europe—is being established in Tampere, Finland, by the company Insta in partnership with Lockheed Martin. The center will ensure supply security and provide support for both Finland and other NATO allies.

Sweden and Finland have signed a joint declaration and a cooperation agreement regarding missile artillery. Finland will support its neighbor with personnel training, exercises, maintenance, and the development of shared capabilities on NATO’s northern flank.

Finland’s MLRS Rocket Launchers Are Being Upgraded#

Finland possesses 41 heavy MLRS rocket launchers—a substantial number. This equipment is now being upgraded to the latest version.

Rocket launchers—such as the “Stalin’s organs” familiar to Finns—have traditionally been regarded as area-effect weapons. Their lack of precision was compensated for by massed employment. During the Ukrainian crisis, success has been enabled by GPS/inertial-guided precision munitions capable of homing in on targets with an accuracy of a few meters. One could say that the shotgun has turned into a precision rifle.

Twenty years ago, a study on strike capability was conducted in Finland to compare the effectiveness of 13 different weapon systems. It sought efficient means of engaging the enemy in depth through the use of operational fires.

The systems that emerged as top contenders in the public section of the 2004 report included rocket launchers, long-range air-to-surface weapons for fighter aircraft, and specialized artillery munitions. Reconnaissance drones were also mentioned.

All of these have since been fielded, most notably the AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) for F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighters.

In the early 2000s, Europe was still in the grip of the post–Cold War disarmament euphoria. As a result, Finland was able to purchase 22 used tracked MLRS launchers from the Netherlands. The weapon, classified as a heavy multiple launch rocket system, was designated 298 RsRakH 06. The launchers had seen very little use, having been driven an average of 4,000 km. The system was shipped to Rauma on two vessels in February 2007.

The total cost of the deal was 57 million euros; in addition to the 22 launchers, the purchase included 80 other vehicles and a wide range of supplies. Training for the system was assigned to the heavy rocket launcher batteries of the Satakunta Artillery Regiment (part of the Pori Brigade) in Niinisalo.

MLRS ammunition is packed in six-rocket pods, which simplifies logistics and speeds up reloading. A crane is integrated into the rocket launcher module, allowing the vehicle crew to swap pods without external assistance.

The MLRS launcher carries two pods, each containing six rockets. A pod can also hold a single long-range ATACMS missile or two Precision Strike Missiles.

The primary ammunition used by the MLRS during the Persian Gulf Wars was the M26 cargo rocket. These contained 644 ribbon-stabilized M77 submunitions. When a battery of three MLRS launchers fired their full loads of 12 rockets each, nearly 24,000 shaped-charge/fragmentation submunitions would rain down within a minute onto a target area of approximately one square kilometer—an area with an adjustable shape. Clearly, the impact of such a “rain of steel” on a defensive formation or an attacking force is devastating.

A problem arose, however, because the M26 rockets left behind a large number of unexploded submunitions. Consequently, a decision was made to phase them out, just as was done with other cluster munitions. Ultimately, the only rockets acquired by Finland—aside from the M28 training rockets—were the German AT2 mine-dispensing rockets. These disperse 28 anti-tank mines, equipped with self-destruct mechanisms, over a 1,000-by-500-meter area.

The situation changed in 2015 when Finland received an export license from the United States for new-generation guided GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets. Two versions were acquired, both featuring a warhead weighing approximately 90 kilograms. The GMLRS has a range of 15–80 kilometers. The acquisition was made possible by an upgrade to the MLRS launchers carried out between 2012 and 2015, installing the UFCS (Universal Fire Control System).

The M30A1 GMLRS Alternative Warhead rocket is designed for area effects. Its tungsten-cased warhead is pre-fragmented and detonates above the target. The rocket can be used against soft and semi-hard targets.

The M31A1 GMLRS Unitary Warhead is intended for the destruction of point targets. The rocket, which detonates upon impact with the target, produces both fragmentation and blast effects. Both types comply with treaties regarding cluster munitions.

Precision is of no use unless the target’s exact location is known. It is not worth missing the target with such an expensive weapon (unit prices are cited in the range of $500,000). Therefore, reconnaissance and target acquisition chains must be both effective and rapid. Typical targets for guided rockets include command posts, ammunition and fuel depots, radar and air defense systems, and transportation hubs. They are also suitable for counter-battery operations.

Capability was further enhanced in 2022 when Finland acquired the longer-range ER GMLRS (Extended Range) versions, featuring both Alternative and Unitary warheads. ER rockets offer a firing range of up to 150 kilometers.

MLRS and HIMARS systems can also fire the even longer-range M57 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles. While the standard loadout consists of six-rocket pods, one such pod can be replaced by a missile with a range of 300 kilometers. Ukraine has received a limited number of these weapons.

In the early 2010s, Finland received an export license from the United States for ATACMS missiles. However, the deal was canceled; the high cost was cited publicly as the reason.

In December 2023, it was announced that Finland’s heavy rocket launchers would undergo a life-cycle upgrade. This upgrade will apply to all 41 units acquired from the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States between 2006 and 2014.

As part of the upgrade, the 298 RsRakH 06 systems will be overhauled, effectively making them as good as new. The launchers will be designated M270A2, and their service life will extend well into the 2050s.

The upgrade also enables the procurement of future munitions. One such example is the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM)—currently under development for the US Army—which is set to replace the ATACMS.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the weapon has a range of 60 to over 500 kilometers. Since two PrSM missiles can be loaded into an MLRS rocket pod, the system doubles the long-range firepower of MLRS and HIMARS platforms. Finland has not yet—at least officially—expressed interest in acquiring these weapons.

Finland has received export licenses from the United States for a couple of thousand GMLRS rockets. Naturally, exact order quantities are not disclosed, but the issue at hand is genuine operational capability. In any case, replenishment stocks can likely be found among NATO allies if needed.

This Is Norway’s New Superweapon#

Norway will spend NOK 19 billion ($2 billion) on the system, which is capable of striking targets up to 500 kilometers away—giving the Army the ability to hit targets deep within Russia’s Kola Peninsula, for example.

“This is one of the largest investments ever made for the Army. We based our choice on a competition conducted by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) and a recommendation from the Armed Forces,” says Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik in a press release.

Made in Poland#

The Ministry of Defence states that two other suppliers submitted bids, but that Hanwha—the manufacturer of the Chunmoo—was the only one to meet all the Armed Forces’ requirements.

“It is difficult to compare systems because much of the data is classified. The Chunmoo system is undoubtedly in the top tier when it comes to long-range artillery,” says Professor Ian Bowers of the Norwegian Defence University College.

He believes Hanwha has demonstrated an ability to deliver quickly, which has been a key factor in the decision to select the system.

Norway’s 16 launch systems are scheduled for delivery starting in 2028, with entry into service the following year.

“The rocket artillery battalion will be a new unit within the Army and will be established at Bardufoss. At the same time, this is a highly mobile, long-range system that provides the Army with significantly increased combat power and the ability to engage targets on behalf of the Armed Forces, allies, and Nordic neighbors where necessary,” says Colonel Mats Winther Dyrstad, Head of Artillery and Ground-Based Air Defence in the Army.

Odin’s Spear#

“In Norway, the name given to the new weapon system is K239 Gungnir,” says Winther Dyrstad.¹

Chunmoo has already been selected by several countries, including Saudi Arabia and Estonia.

By far the largest customer is Poland, which has ordered 290 launchers and is set to begin licensed production of missiles for the system.

The agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Hanwha allows for Norway to receive missiles produced in Poland. According to Bowers, the missile—which offers a range of 500 kilometers—will be ready later this year or next year.

Norway has already acquired South Korean artillery in the form of the K9 Vidar system. Norway has ordered a total of 52 systems.

Aiming to Deter Russia#

Professor Bowers tells TV 2 that a missile system with a 500-kilometer range will provide Norway with a new capability in the North.

“The system will be capable of striking key Russian targets far behind the front line. This will act as a deterrent and force Russia to think twice before launching offensive operations against Norway.”

Winther Dyrstad believes Norway’s defense capabilities will be significantly strengthened.

“The Army is getting one of the world’s best systems for delivering precision firepower at ranges of up to 500 kilometers.” The system is supplied with various types of ammunition, warranties, and spare parts, and will meet the Army’s need to engage targets beyond the range of the K9 artillery (40 kilometers).

“The system gives the Army an enhanced capability to engage key targets at ranges previously not possible. It provides the Armed Forces with a significantly increased deterrence capability.”

Several politicians in Norway—from the Christian Democrats (KrF), the Socialist Left Party (SV), and the Centre Party—wanted to revisit the decision to purchase the missiles but were outvoted in Parliament.

These parties believe Norway should have chosen a European alternative.

Unproblematic#

Bowers considers the purchase of rocket artillery from South Korea to be entirely unproblematic.

“Norway already possesses South Korean artillery, the K9 Vidar. South Korea is a NATO partner and has sold weapon systems to a number of European countries.”

Winther Dyrstad notes that Norway has had “very good” experiences with the K9 Vidar.

“There were some challenges regarding the limited availability of spare parts. The primary reason was that insufficient funds had been allocated. This has now been rectified, and our artillery is available as intended. The K9 artillery was also delivered on time, at the agreed price, and performed according to the requirements we set for the manufacturer, Hanwha.”

The professor considers the great distance between Norway and South Korea to be a significant issue, though one with several potential solutions.

“Even in wartime, there are many possibilities. Just look at the arms deliveries to Ukraine. We do not yet know how many missiles Norway will purchase and stockpile; furthermore, Norway could gain access to missiles manufactured in Poland.”

“Another potential advantage is that South Korean factories would be far removed from a war in Europe and could continue production without hindrance,” says Bowers.

Norway’s Self-Propelled Artillery from South Korea#

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency signed a contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Land Systems in 2017 for the delivery of the VIDAR artillery system, comprising 24 K9 artillery units and six K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The artillery system is capable of providing fire support at ranges exceeding 40 km in a safe and effective manner.

In 2022, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency entered into an agreement for the delivery of an additional four K9 artillery units and eight K10 ammunition resupply vehicles; these were delivered in early 2025 and are scheduled for transfer to the Army in 2025. An option for additional artillery units and ammunition resupply vehicles is being maintained to enable the implementation of the Long-Term Plan for the defense sector.

The VIDAR (Versatile Indirect Artillery System) Artillery System#

The K9 artillery unit is an armored vehicle equipped with a 155 mm gun capable of firing shells to ranges exceeding 40 kilometers.

The K10 ammunition resupply vehicle is based on the same platform as the K9, offering comparable mobility and protection, and is designed to efficiently resupply the K9 with ammunition. The K10 has a capacity of 104 shells and 504 charges, sufficient to support two K9 units.

The K9 artillery unit is currently the world’s best-selling self-propelled artillery system and meets Norwegian requirements with minimal Norway-specific modifications.

A single salvo of Norway’s 28 K9 self-propelled artillery units consists of 1,344 shells of 155 mm caliber with a target-hitting range of 40 km.

Source:

TV 2 (in Norwegian)
Finnish Army (in Finnish)
Finnish Government (in Finnish)
Reserviläinen (in Finnish)
The Defense Post
Swedish Armed Forces (in Swedish)
Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (in Norwegian)
Government Offices of Sweden (in Swedish)
Swedish Armed Forces (in Swedish)
TV4 (in Swedish)

Gungnir is the legendary magical spear of Odin, the chief god of war, wisdom, and death; it always struck its target and returned to his hand. ↩