Norway Expands Artillery Power with 24 More K9 VIDAR Howitzers

Oslo, September 18, 2025 — Norway has signed a third contract with Hanwha Aerospace to purchase 24 additional K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers, boosting its fleet to 52 systems by 2027. The deal, concluded with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), also includes an Integrated Logistics Support package covering training, maintenance, and industry cooperation.

The signing ceremony in Oslo was attended by Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, Gro Jære, Director General of the NDMA, Major General Lars Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army, and Min-Jeong Seo, South Korea’s Ambassador to Norway.

Building on Earlier Orders

Norway’s partnership with Hanwha began in 2017 with an order of 24 K9 VIDARs and six K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, all delivered by 2020. In 2022, Norway added four more K9s and eight K10s. By early 2025, the army operated 28 howitzers and 14 resupply vehicles. The new contract formalizes a plan announced in April to acquire another 24 systems, valued at around $534 million.

Enhanced Capabilities

The K9 VIDAR is tailored for Norwegian conditions. It is armed with a 155 mm L52 gun, capable of firing beyond 40 kilometers, with test ranges reaching 54 km. Future ammunition developments, including ramjet-assisted rounds, are expected to push ranges close to 100 km.

Key features include:

• Rapid firepower: three rounds in 15 seconds, or up to eight per minute.

• High mobility: powered by a 1,000 hp engine, speeds up to 67 km/h, and the ability to reposition within 30–60 seconds.

• Crew of five operating under armored protection.

• Compatibility with BONUS sensor-fused munitions.

The supporting K10 resupply vehicle carries 104 rounds and transfers 12 rounds per minute, ensuring sustained operations even in Arctic conditions.

Strengthening Northern Defense

The new howitzers will support a new artillery battalion in the Finnmark Brigade, reinforcing Norway’s defenses near the Russian border. Cooperation with Norwegian industry ensures long-term sustainment, while a 2023 agreement with Finland allows joint use of spare parts, cutting down logistical delays.

European Outlook

With three separate procurement phases, Norway becomes the second European country after Estonia to repeatedly invest in the K9. The decision highlights artillery’s importance in modern conflicts, a lesson reinforced by the war in Ukraine.

For Hanwha, the deal consolidates its role in Europe, with ambitions to expand sales of systems like the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher. The company also benefits from production facilities in Poland, which support exports to wider European markets.

Norway’s growing fleet of 52 K9 VIDAR howitzers, supported by K10 vehicles and regional logistics, will give its army a powerful, mobile, and survivable artillery capability — a critical asset for NATO operations and northern defense.