Finland Purchases More K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers [Yang Nakkyu's Defence Club]

Second Contract Signed Following 2017 Initial Deal
Potential Buyers Include Spain and Estonia

Finland is set to acquire additional K-9 self-propelled howitzers. This follows the first contract in 2017 for 48 units, with the contract amounting to 940 billion won (546 million euros).

On April 9, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced in Helsinki, Finland, that a contract had been signed between KOTRA and the Finnish Ministry of Defence. Finland has reportedly given high marks to the K-9 self-propelled howitzer for its mobility and firepower, even in the harsh northern European terrain marked by extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

Yonhap News Agency

Hanwha Aerospace plans to expand its exports to European countries. Its goal is to finalize the third implementation contract for K-9 self-propelled howitzers with Poland, the largest market in Europe, within this year. Once the contract is concluded, Hanwha Aerospace will deliver 308 units of K-9 self-propelled howitzers to Poland under the third contract, following 212 units in the first phase and 152 units in the second phase. The third contract is estimated to be worth up to 8 trillion won.

Additional contracts are also possible. There is discussion about Estonia making further purchases of K-9 self-propelled howitzers. There are also expectations that Hanwha Aerospace could sign a contract with Spain for K-9 self-propelled howitzers worth around 7 trillion won, and with Romania for Redback armored vehicles worth about 4 trillion won. Hanwha Aerospace has already established a local joint venture with Poland's WB Group to produce Cheonmu guided missiles. In Romania, the company is building production plants for K-9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply armored vehicles, with plans to begin operations at the Romanian plant starting in 2027.

The K-9 is a flagship export product of the Korean defense industry, holding the top global market share among self-propelled howitzers. One of its main selling points is its cost-effectiveness. It boasts powerful firepower with a sustained firing capability of up to 180 rounds per hour, and it can operate in temperatures from minus 30 degrees Celsius to plus 50 degrees Celsius. Despite these features, it is about 2 to 4 billion won cheaper than competing German models. Furthermore, Hanwha Aerospace does not insist solely on exporting the original product; it also customizes the product to meet the needs of purchasing countries upon request.

The AS9, which was modified by installing separate air conditioning equipment inside the vehicle at the request of the Australian military, is a representative example of such customization. According to a 2023 report by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), the K-9 self-propelled howitzer holds a 36% global market share, ranking first among 16 types of medium-caliber (152mm and 155mm) self-propelled howitzers currently in operation worldwide.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.