Photo: EDF
Estonia has previously announced the purchase of 24 K9 Thunders from South Korea, 18 of which have been delivered. 12 additional units just announced are set to arrive in 2026 at the latest.
"We are working towards the deliveries arriving earlier, so that we can receive the self-propelled howitzers before 2026," said RKIK armored equipment category manager Karmo Saar.
The K9 Thunder is a South Korean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer manufactured by Hanwha Defense.
The K9 is of welded construction, using 20,000 kilograms of armor steel that can withstand explosion pressure and fragments from 155 mm HE rounds, 14.5 mm armor piercing rounds and anti-personnel mines.
47-ton vehicle has maximum speed of 67 kilometres per hour.
When stationary, it can fire its first round within 30 seconds from receiving firing information. When moving, it can fire within 60 seconds. The system is capable of firing a burst rate of three rounds in less than 15 seconds and has a maximum rate of fire of six to eight rounds per minute for three minutes; sustained rate of fire is about five rounds every two minutes for one hour. A total of 48 ready rounds is stowed onboard. Maximum range with standard 52 calibre barrel, dependent on precise type of NATO 155mm ammunition used, is 40 kilometres.