Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il (R) presents a miniature K9 howitzer to Finnish Ministry of Defense Director General Olli Ruutu after signing a contract to supply 112 units of K9 howitzers at the House of the Estates in Helsinki on Thursday. Photo by Hanwha Aerospace
SEOUL, April 10 (UPI) — South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace said Friday it agreed to export 112 units of K9 self-propelled howitzers to Finland, adding to its previous delivery of 96 units.
Hanwha Aerospace said it signed the follow-on contract with the Finnish Ministry of Defense, valued at about $638 million, at the House of the Estates in Helsinki.
Finland first ordered 48 K9 howitzers in March 2017 and has since placed multiple follow-on orders, bringing its total to more than 200 units.
The K9 is designed to deliver consistent and rapid fires at ranges of more than 25 miles. Up to 10 countries have adopted the system, including six NATO members.
Under the contract, Hanwha Aerospace plans to begin delivering the 112 units, along with spare parts, to the Finnish Army starting in 2028.
The Seoul-based company said is expects the additional units could be seamlessly integrated into Finland’s existing force structure, as the Finnish Army has operated the K9 as its primary artillery platform for several years.
“Finland, as a NATO ally, has once again chosen Hanwha Aerospace — a decision that demonstrates we are a trusted partner in strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities,” Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il said in a statement.
“We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with NATO allies, including across the Nordic region,” he said.
The share price of Hanwha Aerospace rose 3.45% on the Seoul bourse on Friday.