Hanwha Aerospace has delivered an additional six K9 self-propelled howitzers to Estonia, adding to the 24 already in operation there. By 2026, when the remaining six units are delivered, Estonia will have a total of 36 K9 howitzers in operation.
According to the defense industry on Dec. 18, the Estonian Ministry of Defense announced on Dec. 16 via their X (formerly Twitter) account that they had received six Korean-made K9 howitzers.
This delivery is part of a contract signed in January this year with Hanwha Aerospace for 12 K9 howitzers, valued at 36 million euros (US$39 million). The remaining six howitzers are scheduled to be delivered by 2026.
Estonia, already operating 24 K9 units since 2020 following a purchase agreement in 2018, decided to acquire an additional 12 units. This move is largely influenced by Estonia’s increased security concerns following the Russia-Ukraine war.
Post the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Estonian government has been one of the most active supporters of Ukraine. It has provided military aid worth over 400 million euros, surpassing 1% of its GDP. This support includes firearms, ammunition, anti-tank missiles, mines, 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, and communication equipment.
Estonia’s decision to further invest in K9 howitzers is influenced by the vehicle’s superior performance and Hanwha Aerospace’s prompt delivery. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the K9 held a 48% market share in the global self-propelled howitzer export market from 2000 to 2017, reaching the dominant position. This figure has since surpassed 50%, and is expected to exceed 70% following the delivery of contracted units to countries like Poland.
Additionally, a significant export of K9 howitzers to Romania, Eastern Europe, is imminent. With Romania looking to introduce 54 new howitzers, the K9 is a strong contender for the deal, which was initially expected to be finalized this month but now appears to be pushed to next year.