As featured in C4 Defence last week, Norway increased its military preparations. In this context, Hanwha Aerospace signed contracts with Norway.

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with Norway for the delivery of four K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and eight K10 ammunition resupply (ARV). The contract forms part of additional delivery options for the 2017 contract between Hanwha and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) to provide 24 K9 SPH and 6 K10 ARV. Under the previous contract, Hanwha had successfully delivered K9 VIDAR (Versatile Indirect Artillery) motorized guns, which met the operational requirements of the Norwegian Armed Forces.

The K9 Thunder and eight K10 ammunition supply vehicles are expected to be delivered within the next two years.

“The final option contract for the additional delivery of K9 VIDAR systems and K10 ARVs is an important milestone for the development of defence cooperation between Hanwha and Norway.” said Kwak Jong-woo, Vice President of Land Systems Business Unit, Hanwha Aerospace. Also, he added, “Norway is an important pillar of the expanding community of K9 user countries and we will make our sincere efforts to implement the option contract and contribute to the development of Norway’s defence capabilities.”

At the same time, Norway is an important member of the K9 User Community, which consists of nine countries. Serving more than 1,700 K9 artillery systems, the community is the world’s most proven artillery solution community. With the growing number of countries using K9 artillery systems, Hanwha held the first K9 User Club meeting in Changwon, South Korea in April 2022 to share their experience on how to make the most of the equipment and provide the best training for the artillery solution. Norway is scheduled to host the second K9 User Club meeting in February 2023.