Breaking News: Norwegian Government Proposes Acquisition of 24 Additional K9 Howitzers to Strengthen Artillery Forces.

The Norwegian government, led by the Labour Party, announced on April 4, 2025, a new proposal to invest approximately 17 billion Norwegian kroner—equivalent to around 1.46 billion euros—into rearmament and modernization initiatives for the Norwegian Armed Forces. A central component of this investment is the planned acquisition of 24 additional K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers. These systems are intended to form the core of a new artillery battalion within the future Finnmark Brigade, a strategic formation aimed at strengthening defense capabilities in the northernmost part of the country, close to the Russian border.
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A Norwegian Army K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer during a live-fire exercise. (Picture source: Norway MoD)

This procurement marks a continuation and expansion of Norway’s artillery modernization program, which began in December 2017 when the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency signed its first contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Land Systems. Under that agreement, Norway ordered 24 K9 howitzers and six K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, with deliveries scheduled to conclude by 2020. These modern systems replaced aging M109A3GN howitzers and significantly upgraded the firepower and mobility of the Norwegian Army’s artillery units.

In November 2022, Norway exercised an option under the same framework agreement to acquire an additional four K9 howitzers and eight K10 vehicles. Deliveries for these units began in December 2024 and were expected to be finalized by February 2025. As a result, prior to the latest announcement, Norway had 28 K9s and 14 K10s in operational service. The decision to now procure an additional 24 K9 howitzers will bring the total number to 52, signaling Norway’s confidence in the platform’s battlefield performance and interoperability with NATO forces.

The K9 Thunder, developed by the South Korean Company Hanwha Aerospace (formerly Hanwha Land Systems), is a state-of-the-art 155mm/52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer. Designed for high mobility and rapid response, the K9 offers a firing range of up to 40 kilometers with standard ammunition and up to 56 kilometers using rocket-assisted projectiles. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, the K9 can reach speeds of 67 kilometers per hour and operate over a range of approximately 480 kilometers. It features armored protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, operates with a five-member crew, and is capable of firing within 30 seconds after coming to a halt—making it one of the most effective modern artillery systems in service today.

The April 2025 announcement is part of a broader effort by the Norwegian government to respond to the changing security environment in Europe, especially in light of increased geopolitical tensions. In tandem with this procurement, Norway has also committed to a historic defense funding boost. The Labour government has outlined plans to increase defense spending by 600 billion kroner (approximately 51.6 billion euros) over the next 12 years, aiming to double the country’s defense budget by 2036 nearly. This significant financial commitment underlines Norway’s strategic shift toward readiness, deterrence, and alliance cohesion.

Moreover, Norway is also reinforcing its role in international security by enhancing military aid to Ukraine. In 2025, the government increased its annual contribution by 50 billion kroner (4.3 billion euros), bringing total Norwegian support for Ukraine to 85 billion kroner for the year. This aid includes the delivery of air defense systems, artillery ammunition, drones, and coastal defense equipment to bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend itself amid ongoing conflict.