Norway announced the signing of a new contract for the purchase of 24 K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers, developed by South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace.
The agreement, signed on September 18, 2025, in Oslo, represents Norway’s third acquisition of the system and strengthens the modernization of the country’s defense capabilities.
Contract Signing in Oslo
The ceremony was attended by Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, as well as Norwegian officials including Gro Jære, General Manager of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), Major General Lars Lervik, Commander of the Land Forces, and Min-Jeong Seo, Ambassador of South Korea to Norway.
“We are proud to contribute once again to strengthening Norway’s sovereign defense capabilities. Hanwha looks forward to continuing our cooperation with the Norwegian government and military. Looking ahead, we will solidify our position as a strategic partner of NATO and the European community,” said Jae-il Son during the ceremony.
Deliveries by 2027
According to Hanwha, the contract provides for the delivery of the new K9s by 2027, featuring more advanced communication systems and full integration into Norway’s combat system. The package also includes Integrated Logistic Support (ILS), ensuring maintenance, training, and technical support in partnership with the local industry.
Acquisition History
Norway began investing in the K9 VIDAR in 2017, ordering 24 howitzers and 6 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, delivered by 2020. The first battery entered service at Setermoen in January 2021, followed by other units in Setermoen and Rena later that year.
In 2022, Oslo expanded the fleet with 4 additional K9 VIDAR and 8 K10 vehicles, bringing the total number of howitzers to 28. In northern Norway, a total of 14 K10 vehicles were deployed to reinforce logistical support.
Finally, in April 2025, the Norwegian government confirmed its intention to acquire 24 more howitzers, in an estimated investment of USD 534 million, now formalized with the contract signed this month.
Source and images: Hanwha | Norwegian MoD. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
