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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
-
![Technology transfer: how well does it work?]()
Technology transfer: how well does it work?
Technology transfer is trumpeted by many companies as a way to tap into new markets, win contracts and expand supply and manufacturing capability. It is often used in the area of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and these requirements are a way to see how – and if – they work.
-
![The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre]()
The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre
Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems]()
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
