Norway strengthens its artillery: 24 new K9 Thunder howitzers on the way

In an increasingly unstable international context, characterised by rising tensions in the Baltic and Arctic area, Norway has announced a major new investment to strengthen its defence capability. In fact, the Norwegian government has proposed the purchase of 24 new 155 mm K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzersproduced by the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospacefor a total value of NOK 5.65 billion, amounting to approximately USD 534 million.

This initiative represents a significant step within a broader national strategy of strengthening the armed forces, aimed at reinforcing national security especially in the northern region of the country, on the border with Russia and close to the Arctic routes, which are increasingly central to international geopolitical balances.

A new battalion for the Finnmark Brigade

The new howitzers will equip a new artillery battalion of Finnmark Brigade, a unit being set up, intended to operate in the extreme north of Norway. This area, traditionally manned by light forces, is assuming an increasingly central role in Oslo's defence strategy, also in response to the new scenario created by the war in Ukraine and NATO-Russia tensions.

Currently, Norway already has 28 K9 howitzers e 14 K10 supply vehiclesall supplied by Hanwha itself. With this new acquisition, the country is exercising an option already provided for in the original contract with the South Korean company, thus bringing to 52 the total number of K9s in service.

A 17 billion crown plan for defence

The purchase of the new howitzers is part of a much larger spending proposal of NOK 17 billionwhich provides for targeted investments in various strategic sectors of the Armed Forces. Highlights of this plan include:

• 3.9 billion kroner earmarked for capacity building of clearance of sea minesa necessity considered a priority to ensure the safety of Norwegian shipping lanes.
• Purchase of new military truckswhich are essential for improving logistics and troop mobility.
• Investment in military infrastructurewith the aim of improving the operational readiness of the units deployed across the territory.

Priority to maritime safety

Particular attention was paid to the defence of territorial waterswhich are considered a focal point in the event of a crisis or conflict. The Norwegian government emphasised the importance of strengthening the mine countermeasures capability through the adoption of autonomous and unmanned systemscapable of operating efficiently even in hostile conditions.

According to the Minister of Defence Tore Sandvikthis expansion will ensure the freedom of movement of Norwegian and allied ships in peacetime as well as in emergency situations, as well as contributing to the protection of critical underwater infrastructureincreasingly exposed to possible acts of sabotage.

The long-term strategic vision

The plan presented is part of a long-term strategy for national defence. In 2023, the Norwegian government had already proposed a significant increase in the defence budget to 110.1 billion kroner by 2025, with an increase of 19.2 billion compared to previous years. This reflects the growing awareness of the need to adapt the armed forces to new threat scenarios.

According to the government proposal, the acquisition of the new K9 howitzers will bring the total investment in the 155 mm artillery programme a 11.1 billion kroner.

In line with the region's allies

Norway is not alone in this choice. Other countries in the Baltic and Nordic region have already opted for the K9 Thunder: Poland, Finland and Estonia have integrated these self-propelled howitzers into their respective armies. The standardisation of artillery systems in the NATO area is considered a tactical advantageas it facilitates interoperability and logistics with allied forces.

Conclusion

The Norwegian government's initiative is a clear sign of its commitment to strengthening the country's defence, at a time when European security is being tested by new and complex threats. By adding more K9 Thunder to its ranks, Norway provides itself with a modern, mobile and powerful firepowerready to operate in hostile environments such as the Arctic.

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/04/norway-to-nearly-double-its-k9-howitzer-fleet-for-around-534-million/