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Plasan Sasa to Supply Protection Kits for K9 Howitzers in an Eastern European Country.
Israeli defense manufacturer Plasan Sasa has strengthened its partnership with Hanwha Aerospace through a new contract aimed at providing protection kits for self-propelled howitzers and ammunition resupply vehicles. This agreement marks an important step in the collaboration between the two companies and will see Plasan Sasa supply advanced survivability solutions for the K9 howitzers and K10 vehicles, likely destined for Romania, although it could also be Estonia or Poland, which also operate K9s.
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An Estonian K9 self-propelled howitzer, Illustrative image. (Picture source: Estonian MoD)
Plasan Sasa, an Israeli defense manufacturer, is expanding its partnership with Hanwha Aerospace through a contract to supply protection kits for K9 howitzers and K10 vehicles. These kits, destined for an Eastern European country, most likely Romania, will enhance the survivability capabilities of local armed forces.
The supply agreement, valued at approximately one billion dollars, includes the delivery of protection kits for 54 K9 self-propelled 155mm howitzers and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, which Romania purchased from Hanwha Aerospace in mid-2024. This agreement highlights the strengthening of defense ties between Romania and South Korea, further consolidating their military cooperation.
This contract builds on the existing collaboration between Plasan Sasa and Hanwha Aerospace. The two companies began working together in 2022 to supply protection kits for 30 Huntsman AS9 self-propelled howitzers acquired by the Australian Army. Additionally, Plasan provides passive armor protection for 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles, purchased by the Australian Army as part of a $2.6 billion deal with Hanwha Aerospace.
The K9 is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed in South Korea, used by several countries worldwide, including Australia, Egypt, Estonia, India, Finland, Norway, Poland, South Korea, and Turkey. It is equipped with a 155mm gun, along with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun for close defense. The vehicle offers effective protection against 14.5mm caliber armor-piercing projectiles and 152mm artillery shell fragments, ensuring significant resistance in combat situations. Weighing 46,300 kg, the K9 can reach a speed of 67 km/h, enabling rapid deployment in the field.
The K9 also features several specialized systems, including a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) protection system, heating, internal and external communication systems, as well as a manual fire suppression system and an automatic fire control system. Its operational range is 360 km, allowing it to cover large areas without requiring frequent resupply. Measuring 7.44 meters in length, 3.4 meters in width, and 2.73 meters in height, the K9 is a powerful vehicle, providing its five-member crew with exceptional protection and firepower capabilities.
Plasan Sasa’s expertise in survivability solutions for land, air, and naval platforms continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the protection capabilities of modern military vehicles, thereby contributing to the operational effectiveness and safety of armed forces globally.