By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a third contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for 24 additional K9 VIDAR Self-Propelled Howitzers on September 19, 2025. This follow-on order underscores the Norwegian Armed Forces' confidence in the K9 platform's proven performance and reliability.

The contract was signed in Oslo in the presence of Son Jae-il, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, and Norwegian officials including 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 order will increase Norway’s K9 VIDAR fleet to 52 systems, enhancing the artillery capabilities of the NATO member state. The decision follows the Norwegian Army's positive evaluation of the platform's operational performance and the successful execution of previous contracts.

"We are proud to contribute once again to strengthening Norway’s sovereign defense capabilities," said Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. "Hanwha looks forward to our continued cooperation with the Norwegian government and military. Looking ahead, we will solidify our position as a strategic partner dedicated to securing the sovereign capabilities of NATO and the wider European community."

"I am very pleased that we have now signed a new contract with Hanwha, which will secure important materiel for the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Army in line with the Armed Forces’ requirements for time, cost, and performance." Gro Jære, director of Norwegian Defence materiel agency said, "Efficient processes and good cooperation with Hanwha have been crucial in ensuring that delivery of the additional 24 K9 artillery systems is already planned for 2027."

The K9s to be delivered under this contract, scheduled for completion by 2027, will feature an upgraded communications system and will be integrated with the Norwegian combat system. The contract includes an Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package to ensure operational readiness through training and maintenance solutions, which will be delivered in partnership with local Norwegian industry.