挪威計劃增購24門K9自走砲以強化北部防禦

這批新型自走砲將配備於正在籌建的芬馬克旅（Finnmark Brigade）中的新砲兵營。該旅的成立旨在加強挪威在高緯度地區的防禦能力。挪威國防部長托雷·桑德維克（Tore Sandvik）表示：「我們正處於嚴峻的安全政策情勢。因此，我們將請求議會批准對武裝部隊各個領域進行重大投資，以增強挪威的防禦能力，這與去年提出的長期計劃的目標一致。」

現有裝備與新購計劃

目前，挪威已擁有28門K9自走砲和14輛K10彈藥補給車。此次增購計劃將行使與韓華航太（Hanwha Aerospace）現有合同中的選擇權。該計劃尚需挪威議會（Storting）批准。

其他相關投資

除了增購自走砲外，挪威政府還計劃在掃雷能力、新型軍用卡車和相關設施方面投入總計170億挪威克朗的資金。其中，約39億挪威克朗將用於提升海上掃雷能力，包括無人和自主系統，以確保在危機或戰爭期間挪威水域的航行安全。

區域合作與安全

挪威與芬蘭和南韓於2023年12月簽署協議，允許挪威和芬蘭之間無需南韓批准即可轉移K9系統的零部件，進一步加強了北歐地區的防禦合作。

Norway Plans to Acquire 24 Additional K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to Strengthen Northern Defense

The Norwegian government has proposed investing approximately 5.65 billion Norwegian kroner (around $534 million) to acquire 24 additional K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers, aiming to bolster its defense capabilities in the northern regions.

Overview of the Expansion Plan

These new howitzers are intended to equip a new artillery battalion within the planned Finnmark Brigade, which is being established to enhance Norway’s defense posture in high-latitude areas. Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik stated, “We are in a serious security policy situation. Therefore, we will now ask the Storting to approve significant investments in various parts of the Armed Forces to strengthen Norway’s defense capability, in line with the ambitions of the long-term plan presented last year.”

Current Equipment and New Acquisition Plan

Norway currently operates 28 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The proposed acquisition will exercise an option in the existing contract with Hanwha Aerospace. This plan is pending approval from the Norwegian parliament (Storting).

Other Related Investments

In addition to the howitzer acquisition, the Norwegian government plans to invest a total of 17 billion Norwegian kroner in areas such as mine-clearing capabilities, new military trucks, and related facilities. Approximately 3.9 billion kroner will be allocated to enhance maritime mine countermeasures, including unmanned and autonomous systems, to ensure safe navigation in Norwegian waters during crises or wartime.

Regional Cooperation and Security

In December 2023, Norway, Finland, and South Korea signed an agreement allowing Norway and Finland to transfer K9 system spare parts between them without requiring South Korea’s approval, further strengthening defense cooperation in the Nordic region.