Estonia Expands Artillery Arsenal with Six K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers from South Korea

Estonia has received an additional six K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea, according to an announcement by the Estonian Ministry of Defense on Saturday, December 16.

The newly delivered batch, comprising 155-mm self-propelled howitzers, supplements the 18 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers previously acquired by Estonia. These units, named K9 Kõu (Thunder), bring the total number of such howitzers in Estonia's possession to 24.

The first K9 Kõu self-propelled howitzer was delivered to Estonia in 2020, initiating in-depth training for Estonian Defense Forces personnel on the operation of these weapons in September 2020, conducted in South Korea.

In January 2023, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments finalized a contract with the South Korean company Hanwha Techwin for the supply of an additional 12 units of the 155-mm K9 self-propelled howitzers, with a total contract value of approximately €36 million. The scheduled completion date for the delivery of these ordered self-propelled howitzers is 2026.

Two infantry brigades of the Estonian Armed Forces are slated to be equipped with these newly acquired self-propelled howitzers, with an instructional center within the Estonian Defense Forces providing training for the crews. In 2021, Estonia entered into a framework agreement with Go Craft for the modernization of the 24 howitzers, encompassing the installation of communication and control systems, painting works, replacement of the fire extinguishing system, adaptation of the electrical system, and installation of other devices.