The Norwegian Army has been forced to take its South Korean-made K10 ammunition resupply vehicles out of service and cannibalize them for parts to keep its K-9 ‘Thunder’ self-propelled howitzers operational. This issue emerged less than three years after the artillery systems were put into operation.
The K9 artillery system, which includes the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the K10 armored ammunition resupply vehicle, was expected to enhance the Army’s mobility and firepower.
The K9 is an armored vehicle armed with a 155mm cannon capable of striking targets at distances over 40 kilometers. The K10 vehicle, also similarly armored, delivers ammunition to the K9 during operations.
In 2017, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) placed an order with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace Co. for 24 K9 howitzers and six K10 ammunition vehicles. The initial units of these systems were delivered to Norway in 2019, with the entire shipment completed by 2021.
In 2022, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA), or Forsvarsmateriell, signed an additional contract for four more K9 guns and eight K10 vehicles. The delivery is planned to conclude by the end of 2024, although the current progress remains uncertain.
Nonetheless, the South Korean-made artillery systems have modernized the Army’s capabilities. This weapon system has replaced the aging M109 tanks that had been in service for over 50 years. The M109 tanks were later donated to Ukraine.
However, the issues with spare parts have now affected the operational readiness of the new weapon systems.
Sources speaking to Forsvaretsforum, an independent publication associated with the Norwegian Armed Forces, revealed that the K10 ammunition vehicles have been temporarily removed from service due to the lack of essential spare parts.
This has affected the Army’s ability to maintain optimal operational efficiency, with some training exercises experiencing reduced precision.
Jofrid Egeland, a press officer at the FMA, confirmed that the shortage of spare parts stemmed from discrepancies between the expected and actual consumption of components.
“The main reason was discrepancies between expected consumption and actual consumption of parts. We laid the foundation for the further procurements on the basis of experience from our own use, delivery times, and stocks,” said Egeland.
A Global Success Facing Spare Parts Hurdles in Norway
The K9 artillery system can fire shells in MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) mode, which allows it to launch three shells in under 15 seconds—one every five seconds—each following different trajectories to hit the target simultaneously.
The K10 ammunition resupply vehicle supports this advanced artillery system. Built on the same K9 platform, the K10 shares the same chassis to ensure the K9’s mobility and allow it to accompany the artillery unit without falling behind.
Until now, the weapon system has been largely praised, with no major negative press. Its success has been evident, particularly as a strong export product from South Korea. Over 600 K9 units have been sold to countries like India, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Australia.
In 2021, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the then-Indian Army Chief, praised the K9 Thunder’s ability to operate in high-altitude regions.
Australia’s military also recognized the weapon system as a game-changer. The K9 system’s broad international userbase might explain the Norwegian Army’s hope for the timely delivery of additional spare parts.
The FMA and the Armed Forces Logistics Organization (FLO) have purchased additional components and initiated further procurements to support training, exercises, and emergency preparedness in response to the increased demand for spare parts.
Egeland added that the delivery times for these parts are in line with other comparable military systems. With the K9 and K10 sharing spare parts, the Army has prioritized maintaining the K9 howitzers to ensure their firing capability remains unaffected.
The press officer at the FMA Egeland reassured that this decision would not impact the Army’s ability to conduct operations, stating, “It is not the case that the Army has not been able to shoot and practice. The priority of taking the K10 temporarily out of service was made precisely to be able to continue shooting.”
The K10 vehicles are expected to return to service in 2025, alongside a full resumption of training for ammunition logistics.
In the meantime, the Army’s focus on maintaining the K9 artillery has minimized operational disruptions. The FMA remains confident that the ongoing procurement efforts will allow the long-term operational availability of both the K9 and K10 systems, ready for use in peace, crisis, or wartime.
