Finland has finalized a contract with South Korea to procure an additional 112 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers from the inventory of the South Korean Armed Forces. The government-to-government agreement, valued at approximately €546.8 million ($641 million), includes spare parts, specialized tools, and testing equipment, with deliveries set to commence in 2028.
Finland initially inducted the Hanwha Aerospace-built K9 system in 2017 and has since acquired 96 units. The new order is expected to significantly strengthen the Finnish Army’s artillery capabilities, enhancing long-range fire support and operational mobility across both off-road and on-road environments.
The 155mm/52-caliber K9 system is capable of delivering precision strikes at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers (25 miles). The incoming platforms will also replace part of Finland’s aging towed artillery fleet, modernizing its ground-based firepower.
The tracked artillery systems will be customized to meet Finland’s operational requirements prior to induction. The country has already established a domestic support and maintenance ecosystem based on earlier K9 procurements.
With this acquisition, Finland will become the third NATO member to operate more than 200 K9 units, alongside Turkey and Poland. Other NATO users of the system include Norway, Estonia, and Romania.
