Norway's Parliament has approved the government's plan to buy long-range rocket systems from South Korea in a landmark 19 billion kroner defense deal. A majority coalition including the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, the Progress Party, the Red Party, the Green Party, and the Liberal Party voted in favor of the procurement. The minority parties—the Socialist Left, Centre Party, and Christian Democrats—were outvoted after advocating for a European alternative.
The approved system, described as Norway's new 'super weapon,' has a range of approximately 500 kilometers. The government aims to sign the contract with South Korea's largest defense contractor, Hanwha Aerospace, before the end of January. The army plans to introduce the new rocket system from 2029, with accompanying agreements on industrial cooperation with the supplier.
In a related decision, the Storting also approved a massive increase in the budget for new submarines. The cost framework for the submarine program was raised by 46.5 billion kroner to nearly 98.5 billion kroner. This follows a previous parliamentary decision to expand the order from four to six new submarines.
A Strategic Shift in Sourcing
The vote marks a significant departure from Norway's traditional defense procurement patterns within Europe and among NATO allies. The selection of a South Korean supplier over European competitors like Germany's MBDA or France's ArianeGroup points to a strategic calculation based on capability, cost, and delivery timelines. The government's proposal argued that the Hanwha Aerospace system offered the best performance and value for the stated requirement of enhancing the army's long-range precision strike capacity.
The industrial cooperation agreements are a critical component of the deal. They are expected to involve Norwegian defense firms, potentially including Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, in the supply chain, technology transfer, and maintenance of the new systems. This aims to offset some of the expenditure and bolster Norway's own defense industry.
Capabilities and Deployment Timeline
The multi-launch rocket systems will provide the Norwegian Army with a ground-based firepower capability it has lacked. With a 500-kilometer range, the rockets can engage targets at distances that cover strategic areas in Norway's adjacent sea territories and approaches. This is viewed as crucial for area denial and defense in a potential conflict scenario, particularly in the High North.
The planned introduction date of 2029 sets a clear timeline for the army's restructuring and training. The systems will need to be integrated into Norway's command and control networks and allied interoperability frameworks within NATO. The long lead time suggests a complex process of setting up infrastructure, training personnel, and establishing logistical support for the new equipment.
Submarine Budget Soars
The parallel decision to nearly double the budget for the new submarine program underscores the scale of Norway's current defense modernization. The six new submarines, which will replace the current Ula-class vessels, are considered a cornerstone of Norway's maritime and undersea defense, especially for monitoring activity in the Norwegian and Barents Seas.
The staggering cost increase to 98.5 billion kroner reflects the complexities and inflation pressures facing major defense projects globally. The submarines are being developed in collaboration with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, and the budget revision was presented as necessary to ensure the project's completion and capability delivery.
Political Consensus and Division
The voting pattern reveals a broad, cross-bloc consensus on the need to strengthen national defense, transcending typical left-right divides. The inclusion of parties like the Red Party and the Green Party in the majority is notable, as they often critique military spending. Their support suggests a shifted political landscape in response to regional security concerns.
The dissenting minority, led by the Socialist Left Party, argued for a European solution to maintain defense industrial cohesion within Europe and deepen security partnerships with neighboring allies. Their defeat indicates that arguments for capability and cost-effectiveness currently outweigh concerns about diversifying supply chains outside of Europe.