Norway Plans Major Expansion of K9 Howitzer Fleet

Investment to Enhance National Defense

PARIS — The Norwegian government announced plans to nearly double its fleet of K9 Thunder howitzers, indicating a strategic move to strengthen its military capabilities in response to current security challenges. The proposed acquisition involves purchasing an additional 24 self-propelled 155 mm howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace, with funding allocated at approximately 5.65 billion Norwegian kroner, or $534 million.

Details of the Acquisition

The new howitzers are intended to equip a new artillery battalion that will be established within the planned Finnmark brigade. This battalion aims to fortify Norway’s defenses in the high northern region, which has become increasingly significant in light of evolving security dynamics. The government’s spending proposal, released on Friday, encompasses a broader budget of 17 billion kroner. This budget also includes enhancements to sea mine-clearing capabilities, acquisition of new military trucks, and investments in military facilities.

Norway currently operates 28 tracked K9 howitzers and 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. According to the government, the additional howitzers will be procured through an existing option in the contract with Hanwha Aerospace. However, this proposal will require approval from the Norwegian parliament, known as the Storting.

Defense Minister's Remarks

Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik emphasized the urgency behind this initiative, stating, "We are in a serious security policy situation. Therefore, we will now ask the Storting to approve significant investments in various parts of the Armed Forces to strengthen Norway’s defense capability." This aligns with the long-term defense plan previously outlined by the government.

In conjunction with these plans, the Norwegian government proposed a significant increase to the 2025 defense budget, raising it by 19.2 billion kroner to a total of 110.1 billion kroner. The budget for the new howitzers will cover not only the artillery pieces but also necessary spare parts.

Broader Implications and Future Investments

The acquisition of these additional K9 howitzers will elevate the total budget for Norway's 155 mm artillery project to 11.1 billion kroner. This move is anticipated to markedly enhance the firepower of the Norwegian Army.

Moreover, the government is planning to allocate an additional 3.9 billion kroner toward maritime mine countermeasures. This decision raises the total budget for this naval project to 8.74 billion kroner. The expansion of Norway's mine-clearing capabilities is crucial, especially given the government's assessment that previous capabilities were insufficient to meet the operational demands posed by the current security climate. Minister Sandvik noted that these efforts aim to ensure freedom of movement in Norwegian waters during times of crisis or conflict, enhancing the safety of both domestic and allied vessels.

Conclusion

As Norway moves forward with the proposed enhancements to its military capabilities, the decisions made in the coming months—especially regarding the approval from the Storting—will play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation's defense strategy. The planned increase in military spending underscores Norway's commitment to addressing emerging security threats in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.