Norway to Enhance Finnmark Brigade with Acquisition of K9 Thunder Howitzers

April 7, 2025
By Atle Staalesen

Norway has announced plans to bolster its defense capabilities by acquiring 24 additional South Korean-made K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers for its newly forming Finnmark Brigade. This acquisition is part of a broader initiative to strengthen military assets in response to what officials describe as a serious security situation in the region.

Funding Proposal Submitted

In a statement regarding the funding request, Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik underscored the urgency of the situation. “We are facing a serious security situation. We are therefore requesting the Storting [Norwegian Parliament] to approve significant investments in various parts of the Armed Forces in order to strengthen Norway's defence capability,” he said.

The proposed budget includes a significant investment of 17 billion kroner (approximately €1.43 billion), which will support not only the acquisition of the K9 Thunder howitzers but also a historical increase in the country’s overall defense spending projected to reach €140 billion by 2036. Strengthening Artillery Capabilities

The K9 Thunder howitzers will serve as the core of an artillery battalion within the Finnmark Brigade. Norway currently operates 29 K9 howitzers alongside 14 K10 ammunition supply vehicles. The capabilities of the K9 Thunder are complemented by Finland, Norway’s neighboring ally, which also employs this artillery system. In 2017, Finland secured a deal worth €146 million to procure 48 of these advanced howitzers as part of its defense strategy.

Expanded Military Structure

In addition to the K9 Thunder acquisition, the Finnmark Brigade will include anti-aircraft weaponry, a light infantry battalion, an engineer company, and an intelligence capability. Major General Lars Lervik, head of the Norwegian Army, emphasized the brigade’s role in both peacetime and crisis scenarios, stating, “Our plan is to develop a force that will be in Finnmark, in times of peace, crisis, and war. It will be a standing army force.”

Investment in Maritime Security

The financial package also outlines investments in maritime mine countermeasures (MMCM) for the Norwegian Navy. These efforts will focus on the development of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Such technologies are critical for detecting and neutralizing underwater mines and explosives, which are essential for securing safe navigation for Norwegian and allied vessels in national waters.

Defence Minister Sandvik highlighted the importance of these advancements, stating, “We have to make sure that the Armed Forces have the resources needed to detect and neutralise mines and other explosives under water. It will contribute to safe sailing for our own and allied ships in Norwegian waters and secure critical subsea infrastructure.”

Conclusion

This investment in the Finnmark Brigade represents a significant commitment to strengthening Norway’s military presence in the Arctic region. As geopolitical tensions rise, Norway’s emphasis on modernizing its armed forces and improving defense capabilities underscores the strategic importance of the Finnmark area. The acquisition of the K9 Thunder howitzers and the enhancement of naval systems are key steps in ensuring national and regional security.