Norway boosts defence with £1.2bn investment in K9 VIDAR howitzers

The Norwegian government announced an investment plan for the modernisation and expansion of the armed forces valued at £1.2billion. This decision stems from the need to strengthen the country's defence in the face of growing security threats.

The plans include implementing new projects worth £504 million and expanding existing ones with an additional £720 million. Among them is the purchase of additional K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers for the artillery battalion in Finnmark.

K9 VIDAR (versatile indirect artillery system) is the local name for the K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, featuring modified fire control and communication systems tailored to Norwegian requirements. It is worth noting that the K9A1 Thunder is an evolution of the original K9 Thunder, whose history dates back to the 1980s. It was developed by the Koreans to replace American M109 systems with greater capabilities.

As a result of these developments, a system weighing approximately 52 tonnes with a tracked chassis was created, equipped with a turret containing a 155 mm calibre gun with a barrel length of 52 calibres. This allows for firing up to 6 rounds per minute and making three shots in MRSI mode. The firing range depends on the ammunition, but even with the simplest shells like the DM121, the range is about 30 kilometres, and with slightly more expensive shells with a base bleed, this increases to 40 kilometres.

It is also possible to strike targets at distances of 50 to 60 kilometres using rocket-assisted projectiles like the M549A1 or guided projectiles M982 Excalibur. Additionally, regular shells can be enhanced with M1156 PGK modules.

Norway is another customer of the South Korean self-propelled howitzer, following countries like Poland, Finland, Egypt, and the Baltic states. This is a proven system that provides a significant increase in firepower, evidenced by the conflict in Ukraine, where artillery remains the "god of war".