Finland buying secondhand howitzers from South Korea

Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Finland has decided to procure 48 used self-propelled howitzers from South Korea as well as training, spare parts and maintenance.

The Finnish Broadcasting Corporation reports the deal, worth nearly $155 million, was approved late last week by Defense Minister Jussi Niinistö.

The Korean-designed K9 Thunder 155mm howitzer, which Finland has tested in its Lapland region, will begin to be delivered next year. Deliveries will continue until 2024, Finnish Broadcasting Corporation said.

Acquisition of the artillery will enable Finland to begin phasing out the Soviet-designed artillery pieces currently in use by its army.