“Hanwha Aerospace Unveils Cutting-Edge K9 Artillery and K10 Munition Solutions for Norway”
Hanwha Aerospace has today disclosed that it has delivered a new shipment of four K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers and eight K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles to Norway, a pivotal commitment aimed at enhancing Norway’s defensive capabilities.
The shipment is part of a 2022 pact to provide additional K9 VIDAR (Versatile Indirect Artillery) and K10 units, building upon the successful implementation of the original agreement for 24 K9s and six K10s established in 2017.
The artillery units are expected to arrive in Norway in roughly two months for handover to the Norwegian Armed Forces, following essential inspections.
“This consignment of K9 and K10 units signifies a momentous achievement in fostering collaboration between Hanwha and Norway, as we are fully committed to producing and delivering products that meet Norwegian standards in a timely manner,” stated Kim Dong-hyun, head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace. He further commented, “Hanwha will direct its efforts towards executing this agreement and contributing to enhancing Norway’s defensive posture.”
Norway is a crucial member of the K9 User Club, a strategic forum for countries employing K9 systems to share knowledge, experience, and expertise concerning the operation, maintenance, and training of the K9 system.
Since 2001, nine nations have procured the K9 – Turkey, India, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania – with an estimated 1,800 K9 units currently operational globally.
The 155mm/52-calibre K9 Thunder is regarded as the world’s most dependable tracked self-propelled artillery system, capable of providing consistent, accurate, rapid effects over a distance greater than 40 km, with elevated firing rates and volumes. Weighing 47 tons, the K9 is tailored for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ capabilities, enabling it to fire multiple rounds and swiftly relocate to avoid counter-fire.
The K10 is acknowledged as the world’s premier automated ammunition resupply vehicle built on the chassis of the K9 howitzer, sharing many of its components and characteristics for logistical support.
This vehicle can assist the K9 by transporting and resupplying 104 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition and 504 units of charges in challenging environments. Its fully automated ammunition resupply system ensures operational efficiency in logistical support and tactical movements under adverse battlefield conditions.
