Estonia receives 6 K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers.

On December 16, 2023, the Estonian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced the delivery of an additional batch of six K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. This delivery is part of a broader procurement of K9 self-propelled howitzers, totaling 36 units and valued at approximately €120 million.
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This delivery of 6 K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers is part of a broader procurement totaling 36 units and valued at approximately €120 million (Picture source: Estonian MoD)

The six K9 Thunder howitzers recently arrived in Estonia, with plans for necessary modifications to adapt them to local weather conditions and enhance their troop-carrying capabilities. Estonian defense contractor Go Craft will undertake these modifications, with the adapted howitzers being referred to as K9 Kõu.

Once the modifications are complete, the K9 Kõu howitzers will be integrated into the Estonian Artillery Battalion, in accordance with plans outlined by the Center for Defense Investments (RKIK).

Karmo Saar, the category chief for aerial, naval, and battle vehicles at RKIK, confirmed that this recent delivery brings Estonia's total count of K9 Thunder howitzers to 24. Additionally, Estonia expects the arrival of twelve more K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers in the coming years, along with essential tools, spare parts, and replacement barrels.

The K9 Thunder, originally developed by Samsung Techwin and currently manufactured by Hanwha Land Systems, is a 155mm tracked self-propelled armored howitzer with a storied history. Its development began in 1989, with the first prototype undergoing testing in 1996. The Republic of Korea Army officially adopted the K9 Thunder in 1999, and it has since seen deployment in multiple countries, including Finland, India, Poland, Egypt, Australia, Norway, and Estonia.

The K9 Kõu shares the same core features as the K9 Thunder. Both are equipped with a 155mm gun capable of firing various projectiles, including standard NATO 155mm ammunition and rocket-assisted rounds, with a maximum range of up to 40 kilometers. An automatic loading system allows for a rapid rate of fire of up to 6 rounds per minute. Notably, both howitzers can perform multiple-round simultaneous-impact firing, launching three rounds within 15 seconds, each following a distinct trajectory to reach the target simultaneously. Additionally, the K9 Kõu is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun for close defense.

The K9 features an all-welded steel hull and turret with armor thickness of up to 19mm, protecting from small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. Its crew consists of five members, including a commander, driver, gunner, assistant gunner, and loader. The K9 Kõu is powered by a 1,000-horsepower German MTU diesel engine and hydropneumatic suspension, allowing for a top road speed of 65 km/h and a maximum cruising range of 480 kilometers, with a combat weight of 47 tons.

Both variants of the K9 howitzer come equipped with modern accessories such as a CBRN protection system, internal and external communications systems, and an automatic fire control system. They also feature a Honeywell Azimuth Position System and a powered gun elevation/depression system, enhancing accuracy and operational capabilities in various combat scenarios.

Once the modifications are complete, the K9 Kõu howitzers will be integrated into the Estonian Artillery Battalion, following plans from the Center for Defense Investments (RKIK). (Picture source: Estonian MoD)