K9 Thunder

155mm tracked self-propelled armored howitzer - South Korea

The K9 Thunder is a 155mm/52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer developed by South Korea’s Samsung Techwin, now operating under Hanwha Aerospace following corporate restructuring. Originally designed to meet the Republic of Korea Army’s requirements for a long-range, rapid-fire artillery platform capable of countering North Korean artillery threats, the system entered full-rate production in 1999 after nearly a decade of research and prototyping. The project was initiated in 1989, and the first prototype was tested in 1996. Samsung Aerospace Industries was awarded the official production contract in December 1998, making the K9 the backbone of South Korea’s mechanized artillery forces.

Since its introduction, the K9 platform has become one of the most widely exported tracked howitzers worldwide, with its modular architecture and high degree of adaptability enabling rapid adoption across both NATO and non-NATO countries. As of 2026, the K9 and its derivatives are in service or on order with nine nations, including South Korea, India, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Norway, Australia, Egypt, and Romania. Its proven performance in desert, arctic, and temperate conditions has established it as a reliable and scalable solution for modern artillery forces seeking long-range firepower, digital integration, and high battlefield survivability.

Poland has emerged as the largest foreign operator of the K9 platform, signing a multi-phase acquisition and co-production agreement with Hanwha Aerospace in 2022 and 2023. The deal, valued at over USD 3.5 billion, includes 672 K9A1 and future K9A2 units, along with localized production under the Polish state defense group PGZ. In India, the K9 Vajra-T variant, co-produced by Larsen & Toubro, has seen extensive deployment in both desert and high-altitude terrain, with more than 200 units delivered or on order as of late 2025. Australia is also integrating the K9 into its land forces through the AS9 Huntsman configuration, procured under LAND 8116. A purpose-built assembly facility in Geelong, Victoria, began construction in 2025 to support local manufacturing and sustainment.

Egypt signed a procurement contract in early 2022 for the K9A1EGY, a variant tailored for hot-weather operations and local assembly, with deliveries scheduled to begin in late 2024. Romania finalized a deal in October 2023 to acquire 54 K9A1s and accompanying K10 resupply vehicles, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. The United Kingdom has shortlisted the K9A2 for its Mobile Fires Platform program, with Hanwha establishing an industrial footprint in the UK to support production if selected. A final contract award decision is expected in late 2026.

Northern European users have also expanded their K9 fleets. Estonia placed a follow-up order in January 2023 for 12 additional howitzers, bringing its total to 24. Finland continues to upgrade its fleet of 48 K9FIN units with enhanced digital fire-control systems and battlefield management integration. Norway completed deliveries of its VIDAR configuration by 2024, and mid-life upgrades are in early planning to align with K9A2 capabilities. Across all European operators, interoperability and joint logistics frameworks are being developed to streamline sustainment and training in line with NATO standards.

The K9A2, the latest standard currently in advanced development, introduces a fully automated loading system, an increased rate of fire exceeding nine rounds per minute, and enhanced networking capabilities compatible with multi-domain operations. This variant features a new digital fire-control system, composite armor enhancements, a more powerful auxiliary power unit, and hybrid-suspension improvements to enhance cross-country mobility. Its turret and chassis design have been optimized for future growth, including integration of unmanned and semi-autonomous technologies. The next evolution, the K9A3, is in conceptual development and is expected to support unmanned operation modes, robotic resupply, and full integration with next-generation C4ISR networks.

With over 1,800 systems contracted globally, the K9 Thunder stands at the forefront of contemporary artillery modernization. Its successful export strategy, centered on co-production, local assembly, and user-specific customization, has positioned it as the most prolific tracked self-propelled howitzer of the 21st century. The platform’s continuous evolution and proven battlefield performance ensure its relevance well into the coming decades.

K9 Thunder Variants:

-K10 ARV: ammunition resupply vehicle for K9 Howitzer