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Australia receives first AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer from South Korea.
As reported by Gregory Knowles on January 15, 2025, Australia received its first AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer from South Korea, as it was recently seen in Geelong, Victoria. This unit is likely the same one observed during testing in South Korea. The delivery marks the start of a $788 million contract signed in December 2021 between the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and Hanwha Defense Australia. Under this agreement, 30 AS9 howitzers and 15 AS10 Armored Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (AARVs) will be produced at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, with deliveries scheduled for completion by 2027.
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The AS9’s apparition in Australia follows its appearance in South Korea, where it was tested at the Changwon Proving Ground operated by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Testing confirmed features such as enhanced armor, anti-tank mine protection, and semi-automated systems. (Picture source: Twitter/Gregory Knowles)
The AS9’s apparition in Australia follows its appearance in South Korea, where it was tested at the Changwon Proving Ground operated by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Testing confirmed features such as enhanced armor, anti-tank mine protection, and semi-automated systems. The AS9’s tracked chassis allows mobility over various terrains, and advanced recoil management systems improve accuracy. Compatibility with NATO-standard munitions and interoperability with allied forces further enhance operational capability.
The AS9 Huntsman is based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder platform and features a 155mm/52-caliber main gun capable of firing standard ammunition up to 40 kilometers and specialized rounds up to 60 kilometers. It is equipped with a Kongsberg fire control system to enable integration with other Australian defense systems and includes a semi-automated loading mechanism. The AS9 can fire three rounds in 15 seconds and sustain a rate of six to eight rounds per minute.
The vehicle includes modifications such as an enhanced suspension system, additional armor for increased protection, and air conditioning tailored for hot climates. Measuring 12.4 meters in length, 3.5 meters in width, and 3.7 meters in height, the AS9 weighs less than 52 tonnes. It can reach speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour and operates with a crew of five. Its design supports multiple pintle-mounted weapons, including the F89, MAG58, M2HB, and MK47, as well as a Remote Weapon System (RWS) for additional operational flexibility. The accompanying AS10 resupply vehicle shares the AS9’s tracked chassis and includes an automated loading system to reduce crew exposure during reloading.
The AS9 and AS10 are intended to replace the M777 howitzers in key artillery roles, with the M777 remaining in use for air-mobile operations. The acquisition process for a self-propelled howitzer began in 2005, with discussions between Australian and South Korean defense officials. By 2010, the K9 platform was selected for Australia’s Land 17 artillery replacement program after testing that included firing the M982 Excalibur precision-guided shell. However, budget reallocation following floods in Queensland led to the program’s cancellation in 2012. Interest was revived in 2019, leading to the formalization of the Land 8116 Phase 1 program in 2021. Production commenced in 2023.

The AS9 Huntsman is based on South Korea’s renowned K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer and features a 155mm/52-caliber main gun capable of firing standard ammunition up to 40 kilometers and specialized rounds up to 60 kilometers. (Picture source: Australian MoD)
The 150,000-square-meter H-ACE facility in Geelong, which includes a 1.5-kilometer test track, began construction in April 2022. The site is expected to create 300 jobs and includes partnerships with international firms such as Kongsberg Gruppen and Hanwha Systems, which have provided systems integration and technology support. Testing of the AS9 at the Changwon Proving Ground in South Korea confirmed features such as enhanced armor, anti-tank mine protection, and semi-automated systems. Its tracked chassis is suited for various terrains, and compatibility with NATO-standard munitions ensures interoperability with allied forces.
In October 2024, Hanwha Aerospace introduced the K9A3 during the KADEX exhibition in South Korea. The K9A3 features a 155mm barrel with a 58-caliber length, enabling a firing range exceeding 80 kilometers. Designed for autonomous operations and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), it can be remotely controlled via the K11A1 Fire Direction Control Vehicle, which is capable of coordinating up to three howitzers simultaneously. The K11A1, based on the K9A3 chassis, includes features such as a Remote Controlled Weapon Station and reinforced armor, supporting both movement and firing.
The K9 Thunder series continues to gain international traction. Norway received four additional K9 howitzers and eight K10 ammunition resupply vehicles in December 2024. Romania signed a contract in July 2024 for 54 K9 howitzers and 36 K10 vehicles. Egypt has modified its K9 artillery for coastal defense with anti-ship capabilities, becoming the first operator to use the platform in this role. Hanwha Aerospace delivered 216 K9A1 howitzers and 51 K11 fire direction vehicles to Egypt as part of this arrangement, highlighting the platform’s adaptability to various missions.
At AUSA 2024, Hanwha showcased the K9A2, which integrates a fully automatic turret and fire control system, achieving a rate of up to 10 rounds per minute. This model is seen as a key candidate for the U.S. Army’s self-propelled howitzer program. In August 2024, the K9 Thunder tested the U.S.-made M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectile at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, striking a target nearly 50 kilometers away. Approximately 2,000 K9 vehicles are in service worldwide, with operators including Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania. The system supports NATO-standard ammunition and has demonstrated consistent performance with various projectiles.