Estonian Defence Forces to receive additional K9 Kõu 155mm self-propelled howitzers from South Korea in 2025.

The Estonian Defence Forces will receive an additional batch of K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers in 2025, as part of Estonia's €7.9 billion defense investment plan covering the 2025–2029 period. The acquisition confirms the country’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its defense capabilities across land, sea, air, cyber, and logistics domains. These new howitzers will be delivered from South Korea and modified domestically to meet Estonian requirements, continuing the military modernization effort in response to regional security developments.
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The K9 Kõu retains the core capabilities of the original K9 Thunder, but include updated communications systems, improved control electronics, and fire suppression systems, increasing the vehicle’s weight by about one tonne. (Picture source: Suurtükiväepataljon)

Estonia’s involvement with the K9 Thunder dates back to 2017 when Finland proposed a joint procurement arrangement aimed at reducing per-unit costs. With South Korea’s approval, Finland shared its K9 test data with Estonia, facilitating the evaluation and eventual adoption of the system. Estonian military officials visited South Korea in February 2017 for price negotiations, and by June 2018, Estonia signed a €46 million contract with Hanwha Land Systems for the acquisition of 12 used K9s. The deal included training, spare parts, and maintenance support. The first units were delivered in 2020, and by 2021, all 12 were in service.

In October 2019, Estonia exercised an option to purchase six additional K9s under the same contract, valued at approximately €20 million. This brought the fleet to 18 units. In August 2021, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (RKIK) signed a €4.6 million contract with Hanwha Defense and Estonian company Go Craft to upgrade 24 K9s. This upgrade program included painting, integration of a fire control system, modern communications, and new fire suppression systems. In 2022, the Estonian Ministry of Defense confirmed a plan to acquire 12 more K9s, raising the total to 36 units. A €36 million contract was signed in January 2023 for these final 12 units, which are expected to be delivered by 2026. Go Craft began the modification process in February 2023, when the first upgraded K9 was handed over to the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF).

In December 2023, Estonia received six more K9s, bringing the number in-country to 24. These are being locally modified to meet Estonian climate and operational requirements. The adapted systems, designated K9 Kõu (“Thunder”), are being integrated into the Estonian Artillery Battalion as part of the broader defense modernization plan. Estonia’s procurement and upgrade strategy is guided by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where artillery, rapid mobility, and early readiness proved decisive. The K9s will equip the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades, replacing older artillery systems. Estonia also opened its first private military vehicle maintenance workshop in 2022, operated by Go Craft, to service and retrofit its armored vehicles, including 24 K9s and 37 CV90 IFVs.

The K9 Thunder’s development began in South Korea in 1989 and was completed in 1998. The system entered service in 1999 with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. It was developed by Samsung Aerospace Industries, later succeeded by Hanwha Aerospace, and designed to offer greater range, firepower, and mobility than legacy systems like the K55. The howitzer features a 155mm L/52 main gun, automatic loading system, and advanced fire control technologies. It is capable of firing three rounds in 15 seconds using MRSI mode and has a maximum firing range of 40 km with standard rounds, or more with rocket-assisted projectiles. The system weighs 47 tons and is operated by a five-person crew.

The K9 has been widely exported and now holds over 50 percent of the global self-propelled howitzer market, largely due to a high firing rate, long-range capabilities, and effective mobility in different terrains. Türkiye became the first customer in 2001. India procured 100 K9s, while Poland received 120 chassis for its AHS Krab program and signed further contracts for additional units. Finland acquired 48 used K9s refurbished under a depot maintenance scheme. Norway ordered 24 units, along with 6 K10 ammunition vehicles. Estonia signed its first contract in 2018 and has since ordered a total of 36. Other operators include Australia, Romania, and Egypt. As of 2024, over 1,800 K9 units have been produced globally.

The Estonian variant, the K9 Kõu, is being fitted with customized features by Go Craft. These include updated communications systems, improved control electronics, and fire suppression systems, as well as Estonian-language labels and military-standard camouflage paint schemes. These modifications have increased the vehicle’s weight by about one tonne. The Estonian military began exercises with the upgraded systems in April 2023. The modifications are being carried out at Estonia’s first private military workshop, which spans 1,500 square meters and includes a weapons systems paint shop.

The K9 Kõu retains the core capabilities of the original K9 Thunder. It is powered by a 1,000-horsepower MTU diesel engine and uses hydropneumatic suspension, allowing speeds of up to 65 km/h and a cruising range of 480 km. It features a 155mm L/52 howitzer capable of firing up to 8 rounds per minute, and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun for secondary defense. The vehicle measures 12 meters in length, 3.4 meters in width, and 2.7 meters in height, with a combat weight of 47 tons. The crew consists of five: commander, driver, gunner, and two loaders. Estonia uses both standard and rocket-assisted NATO 155mm ammunition with the K9 Kõu, and each system is equipped with a modern CBRN protection system and advanced targeting solutions, including the Honeywell Azimuth Position System.