Finland is investing 546 million euros to purchase 112 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers from South Korea.
The agreement includes 112 K9 artillery systems along with spare parts, helping Finland bolster its border artillery firepower with the specially adapted Moukari variant.
Finland is undertaking a significant upgrade to its ground firepower capabilities by acquiring 112 used K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. According to a report from the Finnish Ministry of Defence, this deal aims to strengthen defenses in border areas and modernize the Nordic nation's artillery arsenal.
Contract details and implementation roadmap
The total cost of this procurement is estimated at approximately 546.8 million euros. The package includes not only 112 self-propelled artillery chassis but also spare parts, specialized tool kits, and related testing equipment. Before being officially put into service, all of these artillery pieces will undergo technical adjustments to meet Finland's specific combat standards, and will then be designated domestically as Moukari.
This is not the first time Finland has chosen weapons systems from South Korea. In 2017, the country signed an intergovernmental agreement with the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to purchase 96 K9 howitzers. By the end of 2022, 38 of those had been put into operation. The original agreement also allowed Finland the option to purchase an additional 48 howitzers, of which 10 were ordered throughout 2021 and early 2023.
Technical specifications and combat capabilities of the K9 Thunder
The K9 Thunder is a 155mm tracked self-propelled artillery system developed by Hanwha Aerospace Corporation. It is considered one of the world's most successful self-propelled artillery systems due to its combination of powerful firepower, high mobility, and advanced electronics.
| Parameter | Technical details |
|---|---|
| caliber | 155mm L/52 (NATO standard) |
| Maximum firing range | 30km (standard ammunition) - 40km (extended-range ammunition) |
| Maximum speed | 60 - 65 km/h |
| Combat crew | 5 people |
| Ammunition reserves | 48 tablets |
The K9 Thunder's strength lies in its MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact) firing mode, which allows multiple rounds to be fired at different trajectories, striking the target simultaneously and optimizing destruction efficiency. The automated fire control system allows the vehicle to stop and fire within 60 seconds.
Mobility and logistics
Utilizing a tracked chassis and a powerful diesel engine, the K9 Thunder is capable of traversing complex terrain, making it well-suited to the environmental conditions of Northern Europe. The vehicle's armor is designed to protect the crew from light infantry weapons and artillery shrapnel. Notably, this system often operates in conjunction with the K10 automatic reloading vehicle, significantly reducing reloading times on the battlefield and maintaining continuous combat operations.