Global K9 Artillery Coalition Unites in Norway
Delegates from six nations utilizing the 155mm/52-calibre K9 Self- Propelled Howitzer (SPH) convened in Narvik, Norway, on February 6 for the 2nd K9 User Club conference. The event is set to occur until February 9.
The K9 User Club was inaugurated in April 2022 in Changwon, the K9 production center in South Korea, aimed at sharing expertise, insights, and skills related to the operation, upkeep, and training for the K9 SPH employed by seven nations—including South Korea, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Poland, India, and Türkiye. Australia and Egypt have also finalized agreements for K9 operations in the upcoming years.
For this year’s gathering, the first of its kind in Europe and among NATO allies, military representatives from South Korea, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Poland, and Australia are exchanging updates and strategies for employing their K9 artillery, while Canada is participating as an observer.
Leading global defense firms, including Kongsberg from Norway and CBG from Australia, have also joined the user coalition to introduce technologies that enhance synergy and cooperation in the development of K9 artillery systems.
Pasi Pasivirta, Director of European Business Development at Hanwha Aerospace, remarked: “The K9 operators can learn from one another and exchange insights and expertise concerning the operation of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer to optimize the utilization of this vital equipment. In this context, the K9 User Club acts as a platform to identify the most efficient operational and sustainment doctrine of the K9 system.”
On the second day of the user club conference, the attendees are participating in focused working group sessions to deliberate on maximizing the benefits of the K9 systems, particularly in terms of maintenance, tactics, and training.
On the third day, the user group is slated to visit the Center of Excellence at Norway’s Bjerkvik Technical Workshop and the Setermoen training area to witness live-fire drills and maneuvers of the Norwegian K9 Versatile Indirect Artillery (VIDAR) systems. Norway currently operates 24 K9s and 10 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, with an additional contract signed in 2022 for four more K9s and ten additional K10s.
Colonel Kjartan Søyland, Head of the Norwegian School of Artillery and Army Air Defense, stated: “Compared to our older artillery, we are now able to extend or even double the range of our systems. The K9 is user-friendly and facilitates efficient education and training, which is its key advantage. It also performs effectively in snowy winter conditions.”
The K9 Thunder stands out as the world’s most favored self-propelled howitzer, with more than 2,000 units currently in operation across the globe. This tracked howitzer can deliver consistent, precise, and rapid effects at a range exceeding 40km, with high rates and volumes of fire. The K9 is particularly optimized for “Shoot-and-Scoot” capabilities, allowing it to fire multiple rounds and quickly relocate to avoid potential counter-fire.
