Finland has signed a new agreement with South Korea to acquire 112 additional K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers from South Korean military stocks. The deal, worth around €546.8 million ($641 million), covers spare parts, dedicated tools, and test equipment, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
Since first purchasing the Hanwha Aerospace-developed K9 platform in 2017, Finland has already fielded 96 units. This latest procurement will further enhance the Finnish Army’s long-range artillery capabilities, improving its ability to support maneuver forces with highly mobile and responsive firepower.
The 155mm/52-caliber K9 system is designed for precision engagement at ranges beyond 40 kilometers (25 miles), offering a significant upgrade over legacy artillery systems. The new platforms will also enable the phased replacement of older towed artillery currently in service.
Before entering operational service, the tracked systems will undergo modifications to align with Finland’s specific requirements. The country has already built a robust domestic maintenance and sustainment framework for the K9 fleet through earlier acquisitions.
Upon completion of this order, Finland will join Turkey and Poland as the third NATO member operating more than 200 K9 systems. Additional NATO operators include Norway, Estonia, and Romania, reflecting the platform’s widespread adoption across the alliance.
