[Exclusive] K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers Secured for Additional Sale to Norway [Yang Nakkyu's Defence Club]

Third Contract for 24 Units Following 2017 and 2022 Deals
Greater Potential for Additional Exports of Korean Defense Products Including Chunmoo

Hanwha Aerospace has achieved another milestone by securing an additional sale of K9 self-propelled howitzers to Norway in Northern Europe. Previously, Norway had purchased the K9 self-propelled howitzers twice and had considered German-made alternatives for its artillery program. However, it is reported that Norway shifted its decision, recognizing the K9’s superior performance. Norway is now the second country in Europe, after Estonia, to purchase K9 self-propelled howitzers in three separate deals.

According to government and defense industry sources on September 18, Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jaeil is visiting Oslo, Norway on this day (local time) to sign an additional export contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for 24 more K9 self-propelled howitzers.

Norway, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is making its third purchase of K9 self-propelled howitzers, following deals in 2017 and 2022. In 2017, Norway introduced 24 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 6 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and in 2022, it purchased an additional 4 howitzers and 8 resupply vehicles.

It is known that Norway initially considered German-made artillery before deciding on the K9. However, the superior quality of the K9 self-propelled howitzer and Hanwha Aerospace’s proven track record of timely deliveries were recognized as decisive factors.

The newly introduced K9 self-propelled howitzers are scheduled to be deployed to a new artillery battalion within the Finnmark Brigade, which was established to defend Norway’s northern frontier. The creation of the artillery battalion within the Finnmark Brigade is aimed at countering Russia, as Norway is located on the northernmost front line. The Norwegian government has allowed foreign troops, such as the US and UK militaries, to be stationed in Norway, and security concerns have intensified to the point that the United States deployed B-1 bombers to Norway for the first time in September 2021.

This export deal is also seen as opening up further opportunities for additional K-Defense exports. As of 2017, Norway placed more than half (about 53%) of its ship orders with Korean companies, demonstrating strong interest in Korean enterprises. In 2013, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering won the contract to build the KNM Maud, the largest support vessel in the Norwegian Navy, and delivered it in 2019. Riding this momentum, Hanwha Aerospace is now seeking to export the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) to Norway. Norway had hoped to acquire the HIMARS system from Lockheed Martin in the United States, which competes with Chunmoo, but it is reported that the US declined the request.

Hanwha Aerospace plans to target niche markets in the European Union (EU), which is strengthening its ‘Buy European’ principle. The EU is actively institutionalizing joint procurement and support for domestic companies through measures such as the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Fund (EDF), and the Support to Ammunition Production (SAFE) program. However, non-EU companies are excluded from financial and funding support under these programs, raising concerns about the competitiveness of K-Defense products.

Hanwha Aerospace plans to produce the CGR-080, an 80-kilometer-range guided missile for the Polish export version of Chunmoo, known as Homar-K, at its local facility in Poland. Based on this, the company also intends to pursue exports to other European countries.