The Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency Forsvarsmateriell has transferred four K9 artillery pieces and eight K10 ammunition vehicles from the South Korean supplier Hanwha Aerospace to the Army. This completes the artillery buildup in Brigade Nord, the agency states in a press release.

The system, named VIDAR, previously consisted of 24 K9 and six K10 delivered since 2019. The K9 is a tracked artillery system with a 155 mm gun and a range of over 40 kilometers, while the K10 vehicle is used to supply the guns with ammunition.

– In close cooperation with the Army and the supplier Hanwha Aerospace, we have quickly acquired more of the same materiel to strengthen combat power and endurance in the structure. This is a method the sector should utilize more extensively to succeed with defense initiatives, says Tomas Beck, Head of Land and Joint Capabilities at Forsvarsmateriell.

According to the Army's Chief Lars Lervik, the reinforcement means that the brigade's artillery is now complete.

– The transfer of four new artillery pieces of the K9 type and eight K10 ammunition vehicles completes the artillery buildup in Brigade Nord. It strengthens readiness and increases endurance during combat, he says.

The cooperation between K9 and K10 makes it possible to conduct resupply in the field, which according to Forsvarsmateriell reduces vulnerability compared to transport from exposed roads.