Oslo allowed Norwegian firms to share defense technology with their Ukrainian counterparts earlier this year.

It intends to accelerate ammunition production for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and replenish the stocks of the Norwegian military, which has donated ammunition to Ukraine.

“Ukraine has a great need for artillery ammunition to be able to withstand the Russian offensive war,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said.

“This government has taken several measures to increase the production of artillery ammunition in Norway. At the same time, we see that it is important to strengthen the Ukrainians’ ability to produce modern artillery ammunition in Ukraine.”

Norwegian Support for Ukraine

Oslo is financially supporting the collaboration through the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, which has a budget of 75 billion Norwegian kroner ($7.17 billion).

The Norwegian civilian and military support program spans from 2023 to 2027, with last year’s contribution amounting to 19.9 billion kroner ($1.90 billion), including 11 billion kroner ($1.05 billion) in military support.

“Nammo is proud to be able to share technology and expertise that will help strengthen Ukraine in its defense struggle. Cooperation with the Norwegian authorities has been crucial for this to be possible,” Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzaeg said.

“There is considerable work behind the development and qualification of effective ammunition that is suitable for series production, and Nammo has invested time and money in technology and expertise that can now be transferred to Ukraine.”

Nammo Opens Additional Production Line

Meanwhile, Oslo announced financing for an additional production line of Nammo in July, which is expected to accelerate the production of the “most modern” artillery shells by 10 times.

In addition, the funding of one billion kroner ($94 million) is expected to double the production of other artillery ammunition and rocket engines.

“We are enabling Nammo to increase its production capacity significantly to help meet Norwegian, Allied and Ukrainian needs,” Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjorn Arild Gram said last month.

“I am pleased that Nammo has committed to maintaining this capacity for at least 15 years. This is essential in order to strengthen national preparedness, safeguard international security and augment local value creation.”

The post Norway Approves Nammo License Transfer to Produce Artillery Ammo in Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.

The test took place in April at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground with a Norwegian VIDAR version of the K9.

The live-firing was designed to strike targets 50 kilometers (31 miles) away in multiple fuze function modes.

During the firing, a round struck a target with a circular error probability of less than 1 meter (3.3 feet) in point-detonating mode, while another exploded 5 meters (16.4 feet) above the target in burst mode.

The test proved the K9’s interoperability with all guided artillery rounds that have been deployed since 2014, the South Korean manufacturer said.

Replacement for Extended Range Cannon 

The US Army is looking to replace its scrapped Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program with options that include the K9.

Launched in 2018, the program aimed to mount a 30-foot (9-meter) gun tube on a Paladin M109 howitzer with an operational range of 43 miles (70 kilometers).

Engineering challenges, however, proved insurmountable.

Apart from Hanwha, Elbit Systems and BAE Systems have offered their Sigma and M109 howitzers as potential replacements.

The post Hanwha Demos K9’s Interoperability With US Army Excalibur Round appeared first on The Defense Post.

The decision was announced following a meeting between Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr and his South Korean counterpart, Won-sik Shin, during the latter’s recent visit to Bucharest.

A total of 54 K9 Thunders manufactured by Hanwha will be handed over to the Romanian Armed Forces to form three modern artillery battalions.

The agreement has an estimated cost of 4.2 billion Romanian leu ($906 million).

According to local reports, Hanwha edged out Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with its Panzerhaubitze 2000 armored howitzer, and Turkey’s BMC Otomotiv with the T-155 Fırtına, a Turkish variant of the K9 Thunder.

In addition to the self-propelled guns, South Korea will supply 10 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, related gear, and ammunition.

About the K9 Thunder

First entering service in 1999, the K9 Thunder is a highly mobile artillery system that fires NATO-standard 155-millimeter ammunition.

It boasts a maximum rate of fire of six to eight rounds per minute for three minutes.

The weapon also supports a “shoot-and-scoot” strategy, redeploying in under 60 seconds to reduce the risk of counterattack.

Using standard ammunition, the K9 can hit targets up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) away, extendable to around 54 kilometers (33.5 miles).

Its eight-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine also provides a top speed of more than 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) per hour and an operational range of 360 kilometers (223.6 miles).

With the new contract, Romania will now be the 10th country to order the self-propelled howitzers, along with Poland, Australia, Norway, Finland, and Egypt.

Closer Ties

The agreement highlights the growing defense relationship between Romania and South Korea.

Apart from the K9 deal, the countries are poised to collaborate on the development of an infantry fighting vehicle.

Hyundai Rotem also recently demonstrated its K2 Black Panther main battle tank in Romania.

“I can promise Korea will be the optimal partner for Romania’s ongoing military modernization project,” Shin said.

The post Romania Picks S. Korea’s K9 Thunder Howitzers for Massive Artillery Upgrade appeared first on The Defense Post.

The 155 mm shell is currently at technology readiness level 6 (demonstration), with sale approval expected in two years.

Katana can be fired from all 52 caliber barrels to strike high value targets such as artillery systems, radars, or command posts. 

Long Range, High Precision 

The Mk 2 version has a stated range of 60 kilometers (37 miles) and a circular error probability (accuracy) of less than 10 meters (33 feet), reducing collateral damage in urban areas.

It features a six-kilogram (13 pounds) high explosive insensitive warhead and a programmable multi-mode fuse for modulated terminal effect according to the target and its protection levels.

The fuse allows the warhead to detonate in the air, at impact, or after a delay for maximum penetration. 

Jam-Resistant 

Additionally, the Katana is equipped with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) coupled with an inertial navigation system to operate in GNSS-denied environments.

To achieve this performance, developers will incorporate “high-performance electronics designed to withstand extreme acceleration and shock,” KNDS France stated.

Moreover, its modular design allows for future upgrades and supports the integration of local components, increasing its export potential. 

The post France Greenlights High Precision KNDS Artillery Shell Development  appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Singapore-based firm secured the contracts between April and early June through competitive tenders, it stated in a press release.

Additionally, orders for 40mm ammunition were also received from the unidentified European customers.

“These new contracts not only reflect our position as a trusted partner within the NATO community, but also demonstrate our defense expertise in meeting the evolving needs of modern artillery operations,” ST Engineering President of Land Systems Lim Kok Ann said. 

NATO Compatible

The rounds are designed for both 39 and 52 caliber barrels, offering a range of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) and 39 kilometers (24 miles), respectively.

Moreover, they adhere to NATO STANAG requirements ensuring interoperability and reliability.

The announcement comes as European countries are looking to secure 155mm ammunition for Ukraine.

“In a world where safeguarding peace is of paramount importance, our defense solutions stand as pillars of strength, ensuring security and stability for nations,” Ann added.

The post European Nations Order $100M in 155mm Shells From Singapore Firm  appeared first on The Defense Post.

Touted as the world’s first fully automatic artillery, the 155mm/52 caliber Elbit Systems gun is intended to be a replacement for hundreds of M109s in the Israeli Artillery Corps.

“The relevance and dominance of artillery fire are evident in warfare,” IDF’s chief artillery officer Brig, Gen. Yair Natans said.

“We have taken yet another significant step towards integrating the ‘Roem’ into the diverse firepower capabilities wielded by corps commanders to assist maneuvering forces — close and lethal support that eliminates many enemies and protects soldiers in various arenas,” he added.

“The ‘Roem’ is part of the reinforcement processes of all ground artillery systems, including rockets, missiles, and remotely piloted aircraft.”

More Advanced, Mobile

The wheeled system is more mobile than the tracked M109, with a greater firing range of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles).

According to The Judean, the gun’s European variant will have an even greater firing range of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles).

It features a modified Oshkosh 10×10 military truck chassis, including an armored cabin at the front for blast and mine protection.

Additional Features

The howitzer can transition from travel to fire mode in 60 seconds, and has a firing rate of eight rounds per minute.

The Roem is manned by a crew of three and is capable of “automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times and high rate of fire,” according to Elbit.

Additionally, it can reportedly fire multiple shells sequentially at different trajectories for a salvo effect on a target.

The post Israel Fields ‘World’s First Fully Automatic’ 155mm Howitzer appeared first on The Defense Post.

Launched in 2018, the ERCA program aimed to provide the service with a long-range artillery strike capability by having a Paladin M109 howitzer mounted with a 30-foot (9-meter) gun tube.

However, the project was called off after several technical challenges prevented its first prototypes from meeting army requirements.

Now, Hanwha Defense is looking forward to demonstrating the K9 Thunder for the US military either in Seoul or at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.

“We can do either and it’s really working with the Army around the timing of that and exactly what they want to see,” company official John Kelly said, as quoted by Breaking Defense.

One of the most in-demand South Korean weapons, the K9 Thunder can carry up to 48 projectiles and is capable of firing six rounds per minute. It can also fire standard NATO 150-mm ammunition at ranges up to 60 kilometers (37 miles).

Potential Contenders

After canceling the ERCA program, the US Army revealed that it will instead focus on existing systems to provide long-range artillery capabilities.

Apart from the South Korean firm, Elbit Systems and BAE Systems have also signified their intent to participate in the effort.

Elbit is offering its Sigma next-generation howitzer capable of automatic loading and laying of the gun system to optimally engage targets.

BAE Systems, meanwhile, is proposing its M109 self-propelled howitzer, which integrates Rheinmetall’s L52 155-mm, 52-caliber cannon system for a strike range of 60 kilometers (37 miles).

Germany’s KMW is reportedly another firm that may be looking for a spot to demo its extended-range artillery solution for the US Army.

The post S. Korea Offers K9 Howitzers for Canceled US Army ERCA Program appeared first on The Defense Post.

The update came after Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed half a billion euros ($544 million) of military aid for Kyiv during a visit to Odesa last week.

Berlin’s framework with Rheinmetall stipulates 155-millimeter shells for 880 million euros ($957 million), according to Reuters, citing a German Defense Ministry letter to parliament’s budget committee.

Additionally, the government revealed its support for a new Rheinmetall production line in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, to sustain related production.

The German company held a ground-breaking ceremony for the plant in February.

Rheinmetall has seen an increase in market value since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Ammo Prototype, Factory in Ukraine

Rheinmetall announced in May that it would deliver artillery shell prototypes with a range of 62 miles (100 kilometers) to Ukraine later this year.

The unnamed round has a longer range compared to other munitions the company has delivered to the country, including the Vulcan long-range shell, which can neutralize targets at 43.5 miles (70 kilometers).

Three months earlier, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperge and Ukrainian Industry Minister Alexander Kamyshin greenlighted the establishment of an artillery ammunition factory in Ukraine.

Rheinmetall will work with a local Ukrainian firm once the center is operational. Details on the partner’s name, corresponding location, and start date of production were not disclosed for security reasons.

The post Germany to Buy 200,000 Artillery Shells From Rheinmetall appeared first on The Defense Post.

Manufacturers based in the US and Canada are being sought for the initiative, including design, qualification, and production.

Low-rate production is expected by the second quarter of fiscal 2029, and initial operational capability by fiscal 2030.

The initial annual production rate is planned at 300 rounds, ramping up to 1,500 by the sixth year. 

Non-GPS Navigation

The projectile is expected to attack moving targets — such as main battle tanks, self-propelled howitzers, multiple rocket launchers, air defense targets, and maritime targets — farther than current shells.

According to the army’s requirements, it should be able to operate in a GPS-denied environment using a non-GPS navigation system.

Moreover, it should be compatible with current and future weapon systems, including the fielded 39 caliber and 52 caliber cannons.

Extended Range Artillery Projectile 

With the 39 caliber cannon, the minimum expected range is 65 kilometers (40 miles), while with the 52 caliber gun it should be over 70 kilometers (43 miles).

The US Army’s standard 155mm M982 Excalibur round can strike a target around 40 kilometers (25 miles) away.

The army’s effort to enhance the 155mm projectile’s range received a setback earlier this year with the cancellation of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program over engineering challenges.  

The 30-foot (9-meter), 58-caliber cannon was intended to have an operational range of 70 kilometers (43 miles).   

Course Correction

Projecting the service’s course correction in light of the ERCA setback, deputy chief of staff for programs Lt. Gen. Karl Gingrich said, “We can get ranges and lethality that are required in division lethality by innovating at the round as opposed to going and procuring an entirely new system.” 

“Rather than get a longer gun tube, there [are] technologies out there and many of your companies represent those technologies that allow us existing cannon configurations, whether it’s 39 caliber, 52 caliber or whatever, 52 being the NATO kind of standard these days.”

The post US Army Seeks Extended-Range 155mm Anti-Armor Artillery Shell  appeared first on The Defense Post.

Papperger did not identify the shell prototype, which has a greater range than any Rheinmetall artillery shell or those previously sent to Ukraine from its partners during the ongoing war.

“Artillery changes the rules of war,” and this year Rheinmetall plans to supply “hundreds of thousands” of artillery shells for the Defense Forces of Ukraine, Handelsblatt wrote, citing the CEO.

“Among other things, prototypes of artillery shells with a range of 100 kilometers,” the outlet added.

Unknown Model

No operational artillery round comes close to the unnamed Rheinmetall prototype’s range, raising curiosity about its identity.

One of the longest range German artillery shells sent to Ukraine is the 155mm Vulcano, whose long-range version can hit a target 70 kilometers (43 miles) away.

Additionally, the unnamed Rheinmetall prototype outperforms the more expensive HIMAR-fired Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), which also has a range of 70 kilometers (43 miles).

Prototype for Operational Testing

An average 155mm US round ranges around 30 to 40 kilometers (19 to 25 miles), while a long-range Excalibur projectile can hit targets 25 to 30 miles (40 to 48 kilometers) away. 

Papperger didn’t reveal the quantity of the artillery round prototypes to be sent to Ukraine. 

However, it is likely a small batch of prototypes that could be sent to the war-ravaged country for testing in an operational environment, leading to further development or production.

Likely Candidate

One of the likely candidates could be a ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery round being developed by Rheinmetall Denel Munition, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and South Africa’s Denel.

The round is based on the company’s Velocity Enhanced Artillery Projectile (VEAP) round featuring a rocket booster to achieve a range of around 76 kilometers (46 miles).

The new version essentially replaces the VEAP’s rocket booster with a ramjet engine, nearly doubling the range, according to Defence Web.

Meanwhile, Papperger said that the company should produce 700,000 artillery rounds this year (a 10-fold increase over 2022) and over one million in the near future.

To achieve the target, artillery plants are being built in Germany and Lithuania while plans are afoot to open a factory in Ukraine as well, the CEO told Handelsblatt.

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