Hanwha sent six K9 Thunders to Estonia

On December 16, the Estonian Ministry of Defence announced via social media that it has taken delivery of a new batch of K9 self-propelled howitzers from Hanwha Defense, a South Korean company. With the arrival of six new K9 artillery systems, the Estonian Defence Forces have increased their total number of these weapon systems to 24. However, the enhancement of Estonian land forces capabilities is ongoing. In January 2023, the Estonian Center of Defence Investments, the nation’s defence procurement agency, signed a contract worth EUR 36 million with Hanwha Defense for an additional 12 K9 self-propelled howitzers. According to this agreement, the final six units are slated for delivery to Estonia by 2026, though it is likely that the contract will be fulfilled ahead of schedule. A senior Estonian defence official informed Defence Industry Europe that the Estonian Ministry of Defence and Hanwha have agreed to accelerate the delivery of the K9 artillery systems. Furthermore, accordin