Hanwha Aerospace Signs Third Contract With Norway for 24 K9 VIDAR Howitzers
Hanwha Aerospace has signed a third contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for 24 additional K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers. The deal was finalized in Oslo on 19 September and increases Norway’s K9 fleet to 52 systems. Hanwha CEO Jaeil Son praised the order, noting it strengthens Norway’s sovereign defense and underlines the South Korea–NATO partnership.
This follow-on order builds on earlier phases of Norway’s artillery modernization. In 2017, Norway contracted Hanwha for 24 K9 VIDAR howitzers and 6 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles (delivered by 2020). In November 2022, a contract for four more K9s and 8 K10s was added, bringing Norway’s fleet to 28 howitzers and 14 resupply vehicles. These K9s have replaced the Norwegian Army’s aging M109A3GNM guns. NDMA Director Gro Jære said Hanwha’s efficient cooperation has been crucial, enabling the order to meet all requirements for time, cost and performance.
The K9 VIDAR (Versatile Indirect Artillery System) is a Norwegian-customized variant of the K9A1 Thunder 155mm howitzer. Manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace (formerly Samsung Techwin), it integrates Norwegian subsystems: the Kongsberg ODIN digital fire-control system, NATO-standard radios, a gunner’s direct-fire sight, and extra armor (spall liner) for Arctic operations. Powered by a 1,000-hp engine, the VIDAR can fire three rounds in 15 seconds and relocate between firing positions in 30–60 seconds. Its high rate of fire and “shoot-and-scoot” mobility – along with compatibility with sensor-fuzed BONUS rounds and planned ramjet shells – give Norway a potent long-range artillery capability.
All 24 howitzers under the new contract are scheduled for delivery by 2027, with the last units reaching the Norwegian Army in 2028. These latest K9s will have upgraded communications fully integrated into Norway’s command network, and the deal includes an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package. Norwegian firms will work with Hanwha to provide training, maintenance and spare parts, ensuring the guns remain operational.
This K9 VIDAR deal highlights deepening South Korea–Norway defense cooperation and Europe’s growing interest in Korean artillery. The K9 Thunder family has been a global success, with over 1,300 units sold worldwide and roughly a 50% share of the self-propelled howitzer market. Its users include Turkey, Poland, Finland, India, Estonia and Australia. Norway’s continued orders underscore the K9 VIDAR’s reputation for firepower and reliability in modern defense acquisitions.