Norway Expanding K9 Howitzer Fleet with $534 Million Investment

PARIS — Norway is set to nearly double its fleet of self-propelled K9 Thunder howitzers, proposing to acquire 24 additional units from Hanwha Aerospace. The investment, totaling approximately 5.65 billion Norwegian kroner (around $534 million), is aimed at enhancing Norway's defense capabilities in the northern region.

New Artillery Battalion in Development

The new howitzers will be incorporated into a forthcoming artillery battalion within the planned Finnmark brigade. This strategic move is part of Norway's broader efforts to bolster its military readiness in response to evolving security challenges. The proposal was revealed in a government document published on Friday.

Currently, Norway operates 28 tracked K9 howitzers alongside 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. With this new acquisition, the government will exercise an option included in its existing contract with Hanwha Aerospace. However, the proposal is pending approval from the Norwegian parliament, the Storting.

Defense Minister Highlights Security Challenges

Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are in a serious security policy situation.” Sandvik is advocating for the Storting to approve significant investments across various sectors of the Armed Forces to enhance the nation's defense capabilities. This aligns with the ambitions outlined in Norway's long-term military plan presented the previous year.

Budgetary Adjustments and Future Investments

In October of the previous year, the government proposed increasing the 2025 defense budget by 19.2 billion kroner, raising it to a total of 110.1 billion kroner. The allocated budget for the new howitzers includes purchasing the guns and spare parts, as detailed in the spending proposal.

The additional howitzers will bring the overall budget for Norway's 155 mm artillery project to 11.1 billion kroner. Other operators of the K9 system in the Baltic region include Poland, Finland, and Estonia.

Enhancing Naval Capabilities

Alongside the artillery investment, the Norwegian government plans to allocate an additional 3.9 billion kroner for maritime mine countermeasures, raising the total budget for that initiative to 8.74 billion kroner. This project aims to develop new mine-clearing capabilities, including unmanned and autonomous systems.

The previous mine countermeasures capability was deemed insufficient for addressing operational needs in the current security landscape. The project expansion will enable adequate resources to ensure “freedom of movement in Norwegian waters even in a crisis or war,” according to the government statement.

Sandvik stated, “This will help ensure that our own vessels and allies can sail safely and freely in Norwegian waters.” Additionally, the investment will work towards securing critical underwater infrastructure.

Conclusion

Norway's decision to enhance its defense capabilities through the acquisition of additional K9 howitzers and investment in maritime countermeasures underscores the country's commitment to addressing contemporary security challenges. As the proposal awaits parliamentary approval, it reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Norway's military presence and operational readiness in its northern territories.