Vietnam Eyes Acquisition of South Korean K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer.

In April 2023, a Vietnamese delegation visited the Hanwha Aerospace facilities in Hanoi to inspect the K9 howitzer, signaling Vietnam's need for 108 units of this 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. On April 23, 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense intended to purchase the K9 self-propelled howitzer, developed and manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea, for the People's Army of Vietnam.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The K9 is a self-propelled howitzer equipped with a 155 mm cannon. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

During the "11th Korea-Vietnam Defense Strategy Dialogue" held in Hanoi on April 23, the Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense, Hoang Xuan Chien, announced the acquisition plan for the K9, according to a press release issued the following day by South Korea's Ministry of National Defense (MND).

"Chien praised the Korean weaponry systems and expressed a desire to enhance defense industrial cooperation, including the integration of Korean weapon systems such as the K9 SPH into the People's Army of Vietnam, and sought cooperation from the Korean government in this regard," said the MND.

Additionally, both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and logistics, the MND added. To deepen cooperation in defense and the defense industry, the two nations agreed to add new areas of collaboration discussed in the bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed in 2010, according to the MND.

The K9 is a self-propelled howitzer equipped with a 155 mm cannon and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. This artillery system is protected against 14.5 mm caliber armor-piercing shells and 152 mm artillery shell fragments, offering robust defense on the battlefield. It can reach a maximum speed of 67 km/h.

The K9 is used by several countries around the world, including Australia, Egypt, Estonia, India, Finland, Norway, Poland (which uses the K9 chassis), South Korea, and Turkey (where it is known as Firtina). Each unit weighs approximately 46,300 kg and can accommodate a crew of five. Its dimensions include a length of 7.44 meters, a width of 3.4 meters, and a height of 2.73 meters to the roof turret.

In terms of capabilities, the K9 is equipped with a series of accessories that enhance its operational effectiveness. It features a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protection system, heating, internal and external communication systems, a manual fire suppression system, and an automatic fire control system. It can travel up to 360 kilometers, allowing it to perform extended missions without immediate refueling.

Vietnam is looking to acquire new artillery to replace its aging arsenal, including the M114 155 mm howitzers and M101 105 mm howitzers, with a reported plan to acquire 108 units of 155 mm howitzers.

Defense News April 2024