Finnish Army Demonstrates its new K9 Moukari Howitzer in Arctic NATO Exercise Dynamic Front 25.

The Finnish Army showcased the combat capabilities of its K9 "Moukari" (Sledgehammer) 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers during NATO’s multinational artillery exercise, Dynamic Front 25, held from November 4 to 24, 2024. On November 18, 2024, the K9 Moukari demonstrated its effectiveness in extreme Arctic conditions at the Ravajärvi Training Area near Rovaniemi, Finland. This event marked Finland's first participation in Dynamic Front since becoming a NATO member earlier this year.
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A Finnish Army K9 Moukari self-propelled howitzer positions for a live-fire exercise during Dynamic Front 25 at the Ravajärvi Training Area in Rovaniemi, Finland, on November 18, 2024. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The K9 "Moukari," derived from South Korea’s K9 Thunder and tailored for Finland, is a 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer capable of delivering precise long-range fire in harsh environments. Finland's version integrates systems designed to operate in extreme cold, including enhanced insulation, heating systems, and specialized lubricants to ensure optimal performance even in sub-zero temperatures.

The K9 Moukari has a firing range of over 40 km with standard ammunition and up to 50 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. The system boasts a rapid-fire capability of three rounds in 15 seconds and a sustained rate of eight rounds per minute. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, the K9 Moukari achieves a top speed of 67 km/h and features advanced hydropneumatic suspension for superior maneuverability in Arctic terrain.

Dynamic Front 25 spans operations across Finland, Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania, focusing on improving NATO’s ability to synchronize multinational artillery missions. The Finnish K9 Moukari units participated in live-fire drills, coordinated fire missions, and interoperability tests alongside other advanced artillery systems, including the U.S. M777 howitzers and HIMARS rocket systems. At Ravajärvi, the K9 Moukari demonstrated its “shoot-and-scoot” capability, rapidly deploying to firing positions, executing precision strikes, and relocating to evade counter-battery fire. The Arctic setting tested the unit’s ability to maneuver through snow-covered terrain while maintaining accuracy and operational efficiency.

Finland began its K9 acquisition program in 2017, purchasing 48 units under a €145 million contract with South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace. Additional orders expanded the fleet to 96 howitzers. Deliveries commenced in 2018, with full operational capability achieved in 2020 after extensive modifications to adapt the system for Finnish conditions. The "Moukari" has become a cornerstone of Finland’s heavy artillery, replacing aging systems and providing NATO-compatible firepower. Its deployment during Dynamic Front 25 reinforces its critical role in Finland’s artillery modernization strategy and highlights Finland’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense initiatives.

The successful demonstration of the K9 Moukari in Arctic conditions showcases Finland’s growing role in NATO’s northern flank. This exercise underscores the Alliance’s ability to project coordinated firepower from the Arctic to the Black Sea, strengthening its defense posture amid rising geopolitical tensions in Europe. The Finnish Army’s contribution to Dynamic Front 25 highlights not only its forces' combat readiness but also Arctic-optimized military equipment's effectiveness in NATO’s expanding arsenal.