The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has placed an additional order for 24 K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace. The contract includes upgrades to the weapons’ communications capabilities and the integration of the Norwegian combat system.
Hanwha will also provide an integrated logistics support package, including training and maintenance services, in partnership with local companies. The company is expected to complete the order — Norway’s third — by 2027.
With this new order, Norway’s K9 VIDAR fleet will expand to 52 systems. This decision follows the Norwegian Army’s assessments of the howitzers’’ performance and Hanwha’s successful completion of the two previous contracts.
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Additionally, Hanwha is promoting the European export of its Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system.
“Looking ahead, we will solidify our position as a strategic partner dedicated to securing the sovereign capabilities of NATO and the wider European community,” said Jae-il Son, Hanwha Aerospace president and CEO. He signed the contract in Oslo alongside Gro Jære, director general of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
According to Jære, the new contract delivers essential weapons tailored to Norway’s military considerations regarding cost, performance and timing.
In April, Norway announced its intention to procure these additional Hanwha howitzers as part of a $1.6 billion initiative to modernize its armed forces. The new artillery will equip a new battalion within the planned Finnmark Brigade, located near the Russian border.