Norway Approves $2 Billion Artillery Procurement Plan

On January 27, 2026, Norway's parliament approved a $2 billion procurement plan aimed at enhancing the country's long-range artillery capabilities as a deterrent against Russia, particularly in the Arctic region where the two nations share a border. This decision aligns with a broader trend among European countries to increase defense spending in response to security concerns heightened by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Norway’s Parliament approves $2.5 billion artillery plan

According to reports from Norwegian daily Aftenposten, the Norwegian government has chosen the Chunmoo artillery system from South Korean defense contractor Hanwha Aerospace over the U.S. Lockheed Martin's HIMARS system. The Chunmoo system meets Norway's requirements, including a firing range of up to 500 kilometers (approximately 310 miles) and a quicker delivery timeline. The Norwegian defense ministry plans to acquire 16 launch systems along with an undisclosed number of rockets, totaling approximately 19.5 billion Norwegian crowns.

Norway Parliament Approves $2 Billion Artillery Plan

Norway's decision is part of a larger movement among European nations to bolster military capabilities amid pressures from the U.S. administration, particularly under former President Donald Trump, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's actions in Ukraine. This procurement is seen as a critical step in strengthening NATO's collective defense posture.

Norway’s Parliament approves $2.5 billion artillery plan

Some members of Norway's parliament have expressed concerns that the country should invest in developing a European missile alternative rather than relying on external suppliers. However, government officials have dismissed these suggestions, citing the time and costs associated with such an initiative as prohibitive.

Norway Parliament Approves $2 Billion Artillery Plan

The Norwegian defense ministry has not yet commented on the selection of the Chunmoo system but is expected to announce the contract winner soon. The ministry's focus remains on enhancing Norway's military capabilities in light of regional security challenges.

Norway Parliament Approves $2 Billion Artillery Plan

As Norway moves forward with this procurement plan, the defense ministry is anticipated to finalize the contract with Hanwha Aerospace. Additionally, the ongoing NATO exercises in Norway, involving troops from Canada, the U.S., and other allied nations, will further highlight the importance of enhanced military readiness in the region.

Norway’s Parliament approves $2.5 billion artillery plan

• “OSLO, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Norway's parliament on Tuesday ?approved a $2 billion procurement plan ?for long-range artillery to boost the NATO country's deterrence against Russia in the Arctic, where the two nations share a border.” — Norwegian Parliament

Norway Parliament Approves $2 Billion Artillery Plan

• “The South Korean system met all requirements set by Norway for the ground-based artillery, including the ability to fire at a range of up to 500km, and had the quickest delivery time, according to the Aftenposten report.” — Aftenposten Report

Norway’s Parliament approves $2.5 billion artillery plan

• “Some members of Norway's parliament have said the Nordic country should help develop a European missile alternative, but this has been dismissed as too time-consuming and costly by government officials charged with making the selection.” — Parliamentary Member

Norway Parliament Approves $2 Billion Artillery Plan

This procurement plan signifies Norway's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in response to evolving security dynamics in Europe.

Norway’s Parliament approves $2.5 billion artillery plan