The Norwegian government has proposed allocating an additional NOK 17 billion (€1.44 billion) for the development of the military, including purchasing additional K9 VIDAR self-propelled howitzers.

This was announced in a press release published on the official Norwegian government website.

“We are in a serious situation in terms of security policy. Therefore, we are now asking the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) to approve significant investments in various parts of the Armed Forces to strengthen Norway’s defense capabilities in line with the ambitions outlined in the long-term plan presented last year. Overall, these are important investments in our collective security and protection,” Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik stated.

The government proposes to start new projects worth about NOK 7 billion and to finance existing ones with a sum of about NOK 10 billion.

In particular, purchasing 24 new K9 self-propelled howitzers is proposed, which will be used to create an artillery battalion in the planned Finnmark brigade. The cost of the purchase is estimated at NOK 5.6 billion.

The new brigade will be deployed in the far north of Norway, in the municipality of Porsanger, near the border with Russia. The first priority is to form an air defense unit, an artillery battalion, a light infantry battalion, an engineering company, a reconnaissance company, and a command. The complete formation and staffing of the brigade are planned to be finished by 2032.

Norway has already purchased 28 K9 self-propelled howitzers under two contracts, as well as 14 K10 ammunition transport vehicles from the South Korean company Hanwha Land Systems.

In addition to purchasing self-propelled howitzers, it is also planned to allocate an additional NOK 3.9 billion to purchase MMCM (Maritime Mine Countermeasure) systems.

These systems will be used to detect and neutralize mines and explosive devices underwater. They are expected to replace the current mine clearance capabilities, which mainly consist of mine countermeasure vessels.

It was also reported that plans are in place to finance the construction of 250 new housing units for military personnel in connection with the further development of the Ørland Main Air Station as the main base for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

In particular, part of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s F-35 fleet is stationed at this airbase, with the first one arriving there in 2017.

The budget for the construction project is NOK 713 million, and its implementation is planned for the period from 2025 to 2029.