Over the weekend Estonia’s English language media reported that 12 additional Hanwha K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers have been ordered.
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The new South Korean artillery pieces will increase the quantity of K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers, known as Kõu or Thunder, in service with the Estonian Defence Force from 24 to 36. A spokesperson for Hanwha Aerospace confirmed to JOINT-FORCES that the contract, reportedly worth around 36 million Euros, was signed in November 2022.
Estonian defence minister Hanno Pevkur is quoted as stating: “In the light of the lessons learned from Ukraine, we’ve made rapid decisions to equip both infantry brigades with additional K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and to bring Estonia’s indirect fire capability to a whole new level.”
In addition to Estonia, other NATO users of the Hanwha Aerospace K9 155mm SPH include [Finland], Norway, Poland and Turkey.
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