Norway deploys artillery unit near Russian border, envoy says

Norway has deployed an artillery unit of four South Korean-made K9 self-propelled howitzers near its border with Russia, Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolay Korchunov has said.

According to Korchunov, the K9 systems have a range of up to 40 km, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

He said a further 24 systems would be delivered to the Finnmark Brigade by the end of 2028.

By 2030, Norway is also expected to receive 16 launchers of the South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system, along with missiles with a range of up to 500km, the ambassador said.

Norway also plans to establish a separate artillery unit in the northern county of Troms.

Korchunov said the deployment would put Russia's Northern Fleet and strategic facilities on the Kola Peninsula within range.

By Aghakazim Guliyev