South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has secured another major order from Norway, which will add 24 more K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers to its arsenal. This is Oslo’s third deal with the company and will bring the total number of K9 systems in service to 52 by the year 2027.
Hanwha emphasized that the decision reflects its ability to consistently meet Norwegian requirements for performance, affordability, and timely delivery. The deal underscores the growing trust between the two nations in the field of defense cooperation, particularly in the artillery domain.
Norway first turned to the K9 in 2017, when it awarded Hanwha a 1.8-billion-kroner ($181 million) contract to supply the systems as part of a broad artillery modernization effort. Five years later, Oslo expanded its fleet by exercising an option for additional howitzers, citing the K9’s reliable operation in Arctic conditions.
The newest contract further solidifies the K9’s status as the backbone of Norway’s artillery forces. Its proven firepower and resilience in extreme climates make it a key platform for strengthening the nation’s defenses in an increasingly uncertain security environment.
