The Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Norway has taken delivery of the first batch of a dozen of 155mm self-propelled howitzers K9 and three K10 ammunition supply vehicles, as they were delivered to one of seaports in northern Norway onboard a Ro-Ro Kvitnos cargo vessel.
The first batch of 12 155mm K9 SPHs and 3 K10 ammunition supply vehicles was unloaded from a Ro-Ro cargo vessel on one of seaports in northern Norway / Photo by: Norwegian MoD
Shortly after their disembarkation, they were loaded on trailer trucks and transported to a storage facility. In the next couple of weeks K9 SPHs and K10 supply vehicles will undergo a series of tests, which will confirm their compliance with technical requirements of the Norwegian Army. Subsequently, a training period for crews and operational personnel should commence, preceding entering into operational service.
The formal takeover ceremony of the first K9 SPHs took place on 19th September 2019 in Changwon, South Korea. The event was hosted by the vehicle’s manufacturer, Hanwha Defense (Norway is testing K9 howitzers, 2020-02-06).
On 20th December 2017 Norwegian arms procurement agency, Forsvarsmateriell (FMA) signed a contract with the Hanwha Defense for delivery of 24 155mm K9 SPHs and 6 K10 supply vehicles for $226.6 million. Deliveries are expected to conclude by 2021. The agreement has an option for additional 24 SPHs and an unspecified number of supply vehicles.