On September 7, according to TASS news agency, Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolay Korchunov said that Norway has deployed an artillery battalion of 4 K9 self-propelled guns near the border with Russia. These systems are manufactured by South Korea and have a range of up to 40km.
Mr. Korchunov said Norway is expected to continue to increase the number of K9 guns in the northern region. According to the plan, 24 more systems will be handed over to the Finnmark Brigade by the end of 2028.
Finnmark is an area located in the northernmost part of Norway and has a land border with Russia. The deployment of artillery systems here is part of Norway's artillery capability enhancement plan in the northern region.
In addition to the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Norway is also planning to equip the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system manufactured by South Korea. According to the Russian Ambassador, by 2030, the Norwegian armed forces will receive 16 launchers belonging to this system along with missiles with a range of up to 500km.
Norway also plans to establish a separate artillery battalion in Troms County in the north of the country. Thus, Norway's artillery capabilities in the northern regions are expected to continue to expand in the coming years.
Mr. Korchunov believes that Norway's deployment of more forces and equipment in the north will put the Northern Fleet and Russian strategic facilities on the Kola peninsula within reach.
The Northern Fleet is one of Russia's main naval forces, with bases and military facilities concentrated in the Murmansk and Kola peninsula regions. This area is located near the Norwegian border and has a strategic position for Russia's military operations in the Arctic.
