The field trials of the first batch of K9 Vidar (Versatile Indirect Artillery) 155mm self-propelled howitzers are conducted in Norway by the country’s armed forces and in cooperation with the OEM, South Korean Hanwha Land Systems. The test scenario includes live fire exercises.

The first batch of future Norwegian K9 Vidar 155mm self-propelled howitzers undergoes field trials, which will precede their commissioning / Picture: Norwegian MoD

The first batch of future Norwegian K9 Vidar 155mm self-propelled howitzers undergoes field trials, which will precede their commissioning / Picture: Norwegian MoD

“It gives a higher operational effect, greater firepower, greater mobility and I think it will be a great improvement for the soldiers to get a whole new system’, said Colonel Lieutenant Nils Inge Træen, project manager for the Norwegian Forsvarsmateriell.

/ Norwegian K9 Vidar 155mm self-propelled howitzers during field trials / Source: Norwegian MoD

The first batch of K9 self-propelled howitzers was delivered to Norway in December 2019. In general, Norwegian Armed Forces will operate 24 K9 Vidar 155mm SPHs and six K10 ammunition supply vehicles. The contract signed with Hanwha Land Systems includes an option for delivery of additional 24 SPHs.

According to the Norwegian Ministry of Defense (MoD), the K9 SPHs and K10 ammunition supply vehicles should be operational by Spring 2020. They will replace the currently used, obsolete U.S.-made M109 self-propelled howitzers.