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Norway Ramps Up Artillery Power with South Korean K9 Thunder Howitzers to Face Russia.
On December 17, 2024, Hanwha Aerospace successfully shipped a new batch of four K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and eight K10 ammunition resupply vehicles to Norway, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing Norwegian defense capabilities. This delivery is part of a contract signed in 2022, following the success of the first agreement in 2017, valued at $226.3 million, which included the delivery of 24 K9 VIDAR (Versatile Indirect Artillery) systems and six K10 vehicles. The newly dispatched systems are expected to arrive in Norway within two months, where they will undergo rigorous inspections before being officially handed over to the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Norway K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)
Kim Dong-hyun, head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, emphasized the importance of this delivery, stating, "This shipment of K9 and K10 systems marks a key milestone in strengthening cooperation between Hanwha and Norway. We are fully committed to producing and delivering products that meet Norwegian requirements on time." He added that Hanwha aims to fulfill this contract while significantly contributing to Norway's defensive and operational posture.
The acquisition of the K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery systems and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles is part of Norway's strategy to modernize its artillery capabilities, replacing aging systems with proven and advanced solutions. In the 2010s, the Norwegian Armed Forces identified the need to replace their aging M109 howitzers, which had been in service for decades. These systems no longer met modern operational requirements, particularly in terms of range, rate of fire, and mobility. Norway, therefore, sought a robust and high-performing solution capable of adapting to the challenges of contemporary battlefields.
After an in-depth evaluation of the available options on the international market, Norway selected the K9 Thunder in 2017, produced by South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace (formerly Hanwha Land Systems). The decision was driven by the K9’s remarkable performance, including a firing range exceeding 40 km, enhanced mobility due to its tracked chassis, and its advanced “Shoot and Scoot” capability. The initial contract, signed in December 2017, included the delivery of 24 K9 VIDAR systems adapted to Norwegian specifications and 6 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, valued at 1.8 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $215 million USD). The first deliveries began in 2019 and were completed in 2021.
Building on this positive experience, Norway renewed its confidence in Hanwha Aerospace in 2022 by signing a second contract for the delivery of an additional four K9 howitzers and eight K10 vehicles. This new agreement further strengthens Norway's artillery capabilities while consolidating bilateral defense relations between South Korea and Norway. On December 17, 2024, Hanwha Aerospace announced the shipment of this latest batch of systems, which will arrive in Norway within two months. Upon arrival, the K9 and K10 systems will undergo rigorous inspections before being officially delivered to the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Norway remains an essential member of the K9 User Club, a collaborative platform for nations operating K9 artillery systems to exchange operational knowledge, maintenance practices, and training methods. Launched in 2001, the K9 system has been widely adopted across nine countries, including Turkey, India, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania, with approximately 1,800 K9 units currently in service worldwide. The K9 Thunder, a 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer, is renowned for its precision, firepower, and mobility, delivering consistent and accurate strikes at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers. Its advanced “Shoot and Scoot” capability enables it to execute rapid-fire missions and immediately reposition to avoid enemy counter-fire.
The K10 ARV complements the K9 Thunder as the world’s first automated ammunition resupply vehicle, designed to operate in combat conditions. Built on the same chassis as the K9, the K10 can carry 104 rounds of 155mm ammunition and 504 propellant charges. Its fully automated resupply system ensures fast and efficient reloading, improving operational endurance and survivability on the battlefield. Together, the K9 and K10 systems represent a proven and robust artillery solution, enabling Norway to bolster its artillery capabilities while maintaining interoperability with allied forces.
The development of the K9 Thunder and K10 ARV reflects South Korea's determination to modernize its artillery capabilities and establish itself as a leader in the global self-propelled artillery market. By the late 1980s, facing increasing threats from North Korea, the South Korean military needed to replace its aging M109 howitzers. In 1989, the South Korean government launched a national development program to design a new 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer. The project was assigned to Samsung Aerospace, which later became Hanwha Aerospace following corporate restructuring.
After nearly a decade of development, the first K9 Thunder prototype was completed in 1998, followed by rigorous testing to ensure its performance in diverse operational conditions. Mass production began in 1999, and the system officially entered service with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Recognized for its superior range, mobility, and Shoot and Scoot capability, the K9 quickly emerged as a modern and reliable artillery solution.
To further optimize the K9’s battlefield efficiency, development of the K10 ARV began in 2000. South Korean engineers sought an automated resupply vehicle to accelerate ammunition reloading during intense combat scenarios. Built on the K9 chassis for logistical compatibility, the K10 was unveiled in 2005, and mass production began in 2009. With its automated resupply system, the K10 has revolutionized artillery logistics.
From 2001 onward, South Korea began promoting the K9 Thunder internationally, leveraging its proven performance and cost competitiveness. Turkey became the first international customer, adopting a licensed version called the T-155 Fırtına. Over the years, the K9's success expanded to countries including Norway (2017), India (2018), Australia (2020), and Poland (2022), which signed one of the largest contracts for artillery modernization. To date, approximately 1,800 K9 units are in service globally, and the K10 ARV has become indispensable for rapid and secure ammunition resupply.
Today, the K9 Thunder is recognized as one of the world’s premier self-propelled howitzers, combining firepower, mobility, and survivability. The K10, as the first automated ammunition resupply vehicle, ensures optimized firing rates and continuous logistical support. Together, these systems provide a comprehensive and highly effective artillery solution, enabling South Korea, through Hanwha Aerospace, to strengthen its national defense while establishing itself as a major player in the global artillery market.