Hanwha Aerospace Secures Third Deal for K9 VIDAR Howitzer Supply to Norway

Hanwha Aerospace has finalized its third agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for an additional 24 K9 VIDAR Self-Propelled Howitzers. This subsequent contract emphasizes the Norwegian Armed Forces’ trust in the K9 platform’s established efficiency and dependability.

The agreement was formalized in Oslo, attended by Mr. Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, alongside Norwegian officials such as Ms. Gro Jære, Director General of the NDMA, Major General Lars Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army, and Min-Jeong Seo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Norway.

This acquisition will elevate Norway’s K9 VIDAR fleet to 52 units, bolstering the artillery capabilities of this NATO member nation. This move follows the Norwegian Army’s affirmative assessment of the platform’s operational effectiveness and the successful completion of prior agreements.

“We take pride in once again supporting the enhancement of Norway’s national defense capabilities,” stated Mr. Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “Hanwha anticipates ongoing collaboration with the Norwegian government and military. Looking forward, we aim to reinforce our status as a strategic ally committed to ensuring the national capabilities of NATO and the broader European community.”

“I am thrilled that we have successfully signed a new contract with Hanwha, which will secure vital resources for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Army in alignment with the Armed Forces’ demands for timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and performance,” remarked Gro Jære, director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency. “Efficient processes and strong collaboration with Hanwha have been essential in guaranteeing that the delivery of the additional 24 K9 artillery systems is already scheduled for 2027.”

The K9 units to be supplied under this agreement, anticipated for completion by 2027, will incorporate an advanced communications system and will be integrated with Norway’s combat infrastructure. The contract includes an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package to maintain operational readiness through training and maintenance services, which will be delivered in collaboration with local Norwegian industries.

This agreement reinforces Hanwha Aerospace’s standing as a premier supplier of artillery systems in Europe and furthers the company’s ambition to broaden cooperation in the Nordic region. It also paves the way for future exports, including the Chunmoo MRLS (Multiple Rocket Launcher System).