Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolai Korchunov said Norway has deployed an artillery battalion near the Russian border equipped with four South Korean-made K9 self-propelled howitzers.
According to Korchunov, the systems currently have a firing range of about 40 kilometers, with plans to extend it to 120 kilometers. He said the battalion was formed in late August as part of the re-established Finnmark Brigade.
The diplomat added that another 24 K9 systems are expected to be delivered to the Finnmark Brigade by the end of 2028. By 2030, Norway’s armed forces are also expected to receive 16 South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket systems along with missiles capable of reaching up to 500 kilometers.
Korchunov also said Norwegian authorities plan to create a separate artillery unit in the northern county of Troms. In his assessment, if the range of the new artillery systems is increased, facilities of Russia’s Northern Fleet and strategic infrastructure across the Kola Peninsula could fall within their reach.
He argued that bringing long-range NATO offensive systems closer to Russia’s borders poses a threat to the country’s national security. Korchunov also said Oslo is increasing risks for its own northern regions, which he described as gradually turning into a NATO staging ground for possible operations against Russia.