Norway's new missile battalion will be based in Bardufoss
The Nordic country is investing 19 billion kroner (€1,65 billion) in the acquisition of the South Korean Chunmoo missile system. From the base in Bardufoss, the missiles will have the capacity to wipe out Russia's forces in the Pechenga Valley.
The Norwegian government has chosen the South Korean company Hanwha as the provider of its new missile system.
"This is one of the largest investments ever made by the Army," Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik said in an announcement.
The procurement includes launchers and missiles, as well as integrated logistics support, training materials and support systems. The cost is NOK 19 billion (€1,65 billion).
The new land-based long-range precision fire system is a new capability for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
"The Government's priority is to rapidly strengthen Norway's defence capabilities, and this procurement will strengthen our ability to credibly deter potential adversaries," Sandvik explained.
The establishment of a new missile battalion is now starting in Bardufoss, northern Norway. About 750 people will be employed in the battalion.
From Bardufoss, the missiles might have sufficient range to hit the Pechenga Valley, where two of Russia's most potent land forces are based; the 71st Guards Motorised Rifle Division and the 61st Naval Infantry Brigade.
Norway will acquire a total of 16 mobile rocket launchers, which easily can be moved around in the region in the case of a crisis or war.
In order to reach the Northern Fleet headquarters in Severomorsk, the launchers will have to be moved significantly further east.
The Norwegian Defence Ministry says that the new missiles have a range of up to 500 km.
According to the South Korean manufacturer, the Chunmoo twin pod system enables the launcher to carry and fire different missiles from the same vehicle. Reportedly, the rocket pod can launch six rockets in 30 seconds and a total of 12 rockets in one minute, and it's possible to reload two rocket pods in seven minutes.
The launchers are mounted to the K239L Chunmoo vehicle, which reportedly has a chassis with an armoured cab that protects its 3-man crew.
In Norway, the system will get the name "Gungnir," which refers to the spear of Odin, the god in Norse mythology. In the tale, Gungnir always hits its target.
