Finland orders 112 more K9 howitzers in $635 mil. follow-up deal

Hanwha Aerospace's K9 self-propelled howitzer / Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace

Finland signed a deal worth 940 billion won ($635 million) to purchase additional K9 self-propelled howitzers from Korea, placing a follow-up order after operating the system for several years.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the contract was signed in Helsinki under a government-to-government framework between Finland’s Ministry of Defense and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), which acted as the contracting party on behalf of the Korean government.

Such government-led deals are commonly used for defense exports to ensure accountability and consistent execution.

The latest deal follows Finland’s initial introduction of the K9 in 2017, when it agreed to acquire 96 howitzers under a separate government-to-government contract. The system has since been deployed in active service, forming part of Finland’s artillery capabilities.

Officials said the new order reflects the Finnish military’s assessment following years of field use, making it a repeat purchase based on operational experience rather than a first-time acquisition.

DAPA said the K9 demonstrated stable mobility and firepower even in demanding Nordic conditions, including extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

The agency added that the follow-up deal was built on trust established during the first contract, particularly in terms of timely delivery and consistent performance in operational settings. The new contract covers an additional 112 units, according to DAPA.

In order to fulfil Finland’s request for rapid delivery, DAPA worked closely with the Ministry of National Defense, KOTRA and Hanwha Aerospace, the system’s manufacturer, coordinating across agencies to facilitate the export process and streamline production and delivery schedules.

The detailed terms of the contract were not disclosed at the Finnish government’s request.

Mounted on a tracked vehicle, a self-propelled howitzer can move and fire like a tank. However, unlike tanks, which operate at close range, it is used to strike targets 30 to 40 kilometers away.

It can hit unseen targets and quickly reposition before it can be targeted in return.

DAPA Minister Lee Yong-cheol said the contract reflects growing confidence in Korea’s defense industry.

“The deal demonstrates that our defense products are gaining trust based on their performance and price competitiveness,” Lee said. “We will continue to support Korean companies as they expand into overseas defense markets.”