Finland Orders 112 K9 Howitzers to Double Inventory

Finland has placed an order with the Republic of Korea for an additional 112 155 mm K9 self-propelled howitzers | Photo: Finnish Ministry of Defence

Finland has signed a government-to-government agreement to procure additional 155 mm K9 self-propelled howitzers from the Republic of Korea, expanding its artillery capabilities as part of a long-term modernization programme.

The contract, signed on 9 April 2026 between the Finnish Ministry of Defence and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, covers the acquisition of 112 surplus K9 howitzers. The package also includes spare parts, special tools and test equipment. The total value of the procurement is approximately €546.8 million.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the acquisition will increase the Finnish Army’s firepower and improve its ability to support operational forces with long-range artillery systems. The K9 system is designed for both off-road and road mobility and will partially replace older towed artillery equipment currently in service.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said, “This procurement enhances the capability of the Finnish artillery cost-effectively. The acquisition is a part of the decade-long modernization of the Finnish Army as stated in the Government Defence Report. At the same time, this is a strong expression of the close co-operation of the respective defence administrations of Finland and the Republic of Korea”.

Finland first procured the K9 system in 2017 through a similar arrangement with KOTRA, acquiring 96 units. With this latest agreement, the total number of K9 howitzers in Finnish service will increase significantly.

Before entering service, the newly acquired systems will undergo national modifications in Finland. Maintenance and sustainment infrastructure for the K9 platform has already been established in the country following earlier acquisitions.

The procurement has been included in the Ministry of Defence’s planned budget framework.