Finland improves long-range fire capabilities with extra Korean howitzers
The decision to acquire used K9 howitzers for the Finnish Defence Forces was made in 2017, and conscript training began with the equipment in 2019. (Photo: Finnish Defence Forces)
Finland has approved a €134 million contract to procure surplus South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers.
The Minister of Defence of Finland approved a decision to procure an additional 38 155mm K9 armoured howitzers last Friday.
This move was previously agreed to in a procurement contract from 2017 with KOTRA, the trade promotion agency of the Republic of Korea, for around €134 million before taxes.
The contract includes an option to procure a total of 48 howitzers from the Asian nation’s surplus, of which ten have been delivered.
The Finnish Army stated that the howitzers will significantly improve firepower, combining it with better mobility and force protection.
Finland initially launched its Operational Artillery programme in 2014 to replace equipment that will be decommissioned. The new system is expected to remain in service until the 2050s.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, 1,178 K9 Thunders were built by Hanwha Defense for Korea between 1999 and 2019, of which 67 surplus have been ordered by Estonia and Finland.
A K9A2 variant is currently under development for the ROK Army, which will feature an uncrewed turret and automated ammunition handling.
This news follows the announcement earlier this month that Norway will also acquire four K9 howitzers, although these will be new production vehicles.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million]()
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
![Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans]()
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
![NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems]()
NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.
-
![US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years]()
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.
-
![Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack]()
Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the development of the Arrow-4 ballistic missile interceptor in response to recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
