Hanwha Aerospace Lands Major K9 VIDAR Howitzer Contract with Norway
Hanwha Aerospace has clinched its third contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for an extra 24 K9 VIDAR Self-Propelled Howitzers. This new agreement highlights the Norwegian Armed Forces’ confidence in the K9 platform’s proven effectiveness and reliability.
The accord was ratified in Oslo, with Mr. Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, present, along with Norwegian dignitaries 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 procurement will augment Norway’s K9 VIDAR fleet to 52 units, enhancing the artillery proficiency of this NATO member state. This initiative follows the Norwegian Army’s positive evaluation of the platform’s tactical performance and the fruitful conclusion of previous contracts.
“We are proud to once again contribute to the fortification of Norway’s national defense competencies,” expressed Mr. Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “Hanwha looks forward to continued collaboration with the Norwegian government and armed forces. Moving ahead, we aspire to strengthen our role as a strategic partner dedicated to bolstering NATO’s national capabilities and the wider European alliance.”
“I am delighted that we have successfully formalized a new contract with Hanwha, which will secure crucial resources for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Army in accordance with the Armed Forces’ needs for promptness, cost efficiency, and performance,” commented Gro Jære, Director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency. “Effective processes and solid teamwork with Hanwha have been vital in ensuring that the delivery of the additional 24 K9 artillery systems is already slated for 2027.”
The K9 units to be provided under this contract, expected for completion by 2027, will feature an advanced communication system and will be connected with Norway’s combat infrastructure. The agreement includes an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package to maintain operational readiness through training and maintenance services, which will be executed in partnership with local Norwegian businesses.
This arrangement solidifies Hanwha Aerospace’s reputation as a leading provider of artillery systems in Europe and advances the company’s goal to expand collaboration in the Nordic region. It also opens doors for future exports, including the Chunmoo MRLS (Multiple Rocket Launcher System).
