The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has signed a follow-on order for an additional 24 K9 Vidar self-propelled howitzers to be delivered by Hanwha Aerospace.
The contract, signed in Oslo by Ms Gro Jære, Director General of the NDMA and Jaeil Son, President & CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, brings to 52 the total number of K9 Vidar to be fielded by the Norwegian Army. “Efficient processes and good cooperation with Hanwha have been crucial in ensuring that delivery of the additional 24 K9 artillery systems is already planned for 2027,” commented Jære.
The additional K9s will feature an upgraded communications system, full integration with Norway’s combat system and an Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) package developed in concert with Norwegian industry.
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This latest contract underlines the success Hanwha is having in the European artillery systems market, with K9s in service with Estonia, Finland, Norway, Poland and Turkey, with Romania having signed a contract last year for 54 K9s. It is also a strong contender in remaining competitions for artillery support and in service in at least four other nations worldwide. The most recent successes underpin Hanwha’s ambitions to become a key player in the European land warfare market: the company has strong ambitions for its Chunmoo MLRS.
Caption: A Norwegian Vidar seen during Exercise Joint Viking 25 in March this year. (US Army/Sgt Chandler Coats)
