Norway orders more K9 SPHs

Norway is procuring 24 more K9 SPHs. (Norwegian MoD)

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) and Hanwha Aerospace announced on 19 September that they had signed a contract in Oslo the previous day for 24 more K9 Vidar self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) for Norway's new Finnmark Brigade.

The NDMA said on its website that it expected to receive the SPHs towards the end of 2027 and to transfer them to the Norwegian Army in 2028.

According to the Hanwha press release announcing the contract, the 24 additional K9s will feature an upgraded communications system and will be integrated with the Norwegian combat system. The contract includes an integrated logistics support package to ensure operational readiness through training and maintenance solutions, which will be delivered in partnership with local Norwegian industry, according to Hanwha.

Norway has already acquired 28 K9 vehicles and 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles for Brigade North, replacing the M109A3GN SPHs that were in service with the Norwegian Army for 50 years and have been donated to Ukraine. The 18 September contract met the Norwegian Armed Forces' requirements for time, cost, and performance, according to NDMA Director Gro Jære.

Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik said, “This is an important milestone in the development of the new artillery battalion in the Finnmark Brigade, as outlined in the long-term plan for the armed forces. The war in Ukraine has shown that artillery is crucial in a modern army. Strengthening this capacity in the north is particularly important in today's security environment.”

Norwegian Army Chief Major General Lars Lervik added, “This acquisition will help to significantly strengthen the firepower of the Finnmark Brigade and the army.”