Norway strengthens its artillery capacity in the north by ordering 24 new K9 Vidar artillery pieces from South Korean Hanwha Aerospace. The contract, signed in Oslo on September 19, is part of the development of the new artillery battalion in the Finnmark Brigade.

– This is an important milestone in the development of the Finnmark Brigade's artillery battalion. The war in Ukraine has shown that artillery is crucial in a modern army, and strengthening this capacity in the north is particularly important in today's security policy situation, says Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik.

With deliveries planned by the end of 2027, the new systems will be transferred to the army in 2028. The addition means that Norway's fleet of K9 Vidar grows to a total of 52 pieces. Previously, Norway purchased 28 K9 pieces and 14 K10 ammunition vehicles from Hanwha, which have replaced the older M109 vehicles that were donated to Ukraine.

– We have had efficient processes and good cooperation with Hanwha. This allows the delivery of the additional systems to take place as early as 2027, which strengthens the defense's operational capability, says Defense Materiel Director Gro Jære.

According to Army Chief Lars Lervik, the acquisition will significantly increase the brigade's and the army's firepower, while Hanwha's CEO Son Jaeil emphasizes that the contract consolidates the company's role as a strategic partner in the Nordic region and Europe.