South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has won a third contract from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) to supply 24 additional K9 VIDAR Self-Propelled Howitzers.
The contract was formalised in Oslo. Its signing was attended by Hanwha Aerospace president and CEO Jaeil Son, NDMA Director General Gro Jære, Norwegian Army Chief Major General Lars Lervik, and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Norway Min-Jeong Seo.
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This latest order will expand Norway’s fleet of K9 VIDAR systems to 52 units, enhancing its artillery capabilities as a NATO member.
The K9 VIDAR is a Norwegian variant of the K9 Thunder, featuring a 155mm / 52 calibre self-propelled howitzer design.
It includes all-welded steel armour, a Modular Azimuth Position System, an automatic fire-control system, and a powered gun elevation/depression and turret traverse system.
The system’s hydro-pneumatic suspension allows for high-ground clearance and mobility across various terrains.
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By GlobalDataThe follow-on contract builds on previous agreements following positive evaluations of the platform’s operational performance by the Norwegian Army.
In December 2024, Hanwha Aerospace announced that the two-month-long delivery journey of four K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers and eight K10 ammunition resupply vehicles to Norway was underway.
Hanwha Aerospace president and CEO Jae-il Son said: “We are proud to contribute once again to strengthening Norway’s sovereign defence capabilities.
“Looking ahead, we will solidify our position as a strategic partner dedicated to securing the sovereign capabilities of NATO and the wider European community.”
The K9s under this contract are expected to be delivered by 2027 and will include upgraded communications systems integrated with the Norwegian combat system.
An Integrated Logistics Support package will also be provided to ensure operational readiness through training and maintenance solutions, developed in collaboration with local Norwegian industry.
Hanwha Aerospace said that the latest contract reinforces its role as a key artillery systems provider in Europe and aligns with its strategy to expand cooperation in the Nordic region.
This contract also opens potential for future exports, including the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System.
Norwegian Defence materiel agency director Gro Jære said: “I am very pleased that we have now signed a new contract with Hanwha, which will secure important materiel for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Army in line with the Armed Forces’ requirements for time, cost, and performance.”
In October 2024, the Norwegian Government announced a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening the defence industry’s production capacity, with an investment of Nkr967m ($97.3m).
