Finland clinches $642 million deal for 112 South Korean K9 howitzers
MILAN — Finland has signed a €547 million ($642 million) contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to procure 112 additional K9 self-propelled howitzers, accelerating its artillery expansion.
Finnish authorities announced the government-to-government deal on Thursday, expected to bring its total K9 inventory to over 200 systems, making Finland the second-largest European operator behind Poland.
The platforms, along with associated spare parts, are scheduled to be delivered to the Finnish Army from 2028 onwards and will undergo national modifications before entering service.
The K9 is a 155mm/52-cal. armored combat vehicle designed for long-range precision fires, which according to Hanwha is capable of shooting at ranges of more than 40 km (24.9 miles).
The Nordic country first purchased the K9 in 2017 and exercised a contract option to buy additional units in 2022, bringing the earlier total order to 96.
“Finland’s continued procurement also reflects a broader trend of deepening defense cooperation between Hanwha and Northern European nations — with units delivered to ten countries, including six NATO member states: Turkey, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Romania,” the South Korean manufacturer said in a statement.
Over the last few years, Helsinki has focused on boosting its firepower capabilities and expanding its army. In 2023, the country invested €24 million to double its domestic production of heavy ammunition by 2027.
Finland signed a €547 million contract with South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to procure 112 additional K9 self-propelled howitzers, increasing its total K9 inventory to over 200 systems. The delivery of these howitzers is scheduled to begin in 2028, following national modifications. This procurement reflects Finland's ongoing efforts to enhance its artillery capabilities and strengthen defense cooperation with Northern European nations.
- Finland signed a €547 million contract for 112 K9 howitzers with Hanwha Aerospace.
- This deal will increase Finland's K9 inventory to over 200 systems.
- The K9 howitzer is capable of firing at ranges over 40 km.
- Finland has been expanding its artillery capabilities since 2017.
- The deal reflects deepening defense cooperation between Hanwha and Northern European nations.