The K9 is a self-propelled howitzer equipped with a 155mm cannon capable of firing shells over distances exceeding 40 kilometres. The K10, a separate armoured vehicle, is designed to resupply the K9 with ammunition in the field, enhancing the overall efficiency and sustained firepower of the artillery system.
Norway acquired 24 K9 howitzers and six K10 resupply vehicles from Hanwha Aerospace (formerly Hanwha Land Systems) beginning in 2019. An additional order, placed in 2022, is expected to deliver four more K9s and eight K10s by 2024. However, unforeseen consumption rates of spare parts have disrupted operations, prompting adjustments to the use of the vehicles.
Jofrid Egeland, spokesperson for the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), stated: “The main cause was a discrepancy between the expected and actual consumption of parts. We have based further procurements on our operational experience, delivery times, and stock levels.”
To address the issue, FMA and the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation have procured additional spare parts, with ongoing efforts to ensure future needs are met. As the K9 and K10 vehicles share many components, the Army has prioritised maintaining the operational status of the K9 howitzers to ensure uninterrupted training and readiness.
Egeland emphasised that this prioritisation has enabled continued live-fire exercises and training for the Army. The K10 vehicles, along with comprehensive ammunition logistics training, are expected to resume full operations in 2025.
FMA has reported that the overall impact on operations has been minimal, and the ongoing spare parts procurement process is expected to improve the availability and reliability of both systems in peacetime and during crises.
