Helsinki: South Korea will export an additional 112 units of its K9 self-propelled howitzers to Finland in an arms deal valued at some 940 billion won (US$634 million), the state arms procurement agency announced Thursday, marking another advancement in Seoul's efforts to expand its arms export market.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), acting on behalf of the South Korean government, finalized the agreement with Finland's defense ministry in Helsinki. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) reported that this deal builds on a previous contract from 2017 for the delivery of 96 K9 howitzers to Finland.

Under the new agreement, Hanwha Aerospace Co., a major player in South Korea's defense sector, will supply the additional 112 K9 howitzers. This deal is anticipated to bolster future exports of South Korean defense products, demonstrating the K9 howitzers' effectiveness and adaptability to the challenging climate conditions of northern Europe.

The K9 howitzers, known for their mobility and firepower, are currently in use by more than 10 countries, which includes six members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).