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. This agreement aligns with Estonia’s proactive measures to strengthen its defence forces in anticipation of potential Russian action on the NATO’s eastern flank.
Furthermore, according to Estonian defence plans, the total number of K9 self-propelled howitzers operated by the defence forces is expected to reach 36, further solidifying the country’s military capabilities.
