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Vietnam Looks to South Korean K9 Thunder Howitzers to Fortify Border Defenses.
According to information published on January 20, 2025, by The Korea Times, South Korea is nearing a milestone in its defense exports with the finalization of an agreement to supply K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam. Industry and government sources indicate that negotiations between the two nations are in advanced stages, with a contract for approximately 20 units valued at $300 million expected to be finalized in the coming months. This deal would mark South Korea's first arms export to Vietnam and represent a notable development in its efforts to penetrate the Southeast Asian defense market.
Operated by a five-person crew, the K9 combines firepower, protection, and mobility to meet the demands of contemporary battlefields.
(Picture source: ROK)
The K9 Thunder, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, is recognized as one of the most capable artillery systems globally. Equipped with a 155 mm/52 caliber gun, it can achieve a firing range of up to 60 kilometers and is designed for long-range bombardment and rapid-response missions. Vietnam’s acquisition of this system aligns with its objective to modernize artillery units that currently rely on aging Soviet-era systems and Chinese Type 63 multiple rocket launchers. The expected delivery of these howitzers could enhance Vietnam’s defense capabilities, particularly in strategic areas near its northern border with China, where military tensions remain high.
The K9 Thunder features a welded steel chassis protecting 152 mm shell fragments and small arms fire up to 14.5 mm caliber. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower MTU diesel engine, it achieves a top speed of 67 km/h with a range of 360 kilometers. The system includes hydropneumatic suspension for improved mobility over challenging terrain and integrates modern systems such as CBRN protection, automatic fire control, and precise targeting capabilities. Operated by a five-person crew, the K9 combines firepower, protection, and mobility to meet the demands of contemporary battlefields.
Vietnam’s interest in the K9 has been evident through multiple bilateral engagements. In 2023, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang visited South Korea to observe the system in operation and received a detailed briefing from Hanwha Aerospace. In 2024, Vietnamese troops participated in a South Korean Army training program focused on the K9, demonstrating the system's potential role in Vietnam’s military modernization efforts. If finalized, the deal would make Vietnam the 11th country to operate the K9, joining nations like Australia, Poland, India, and Egypt.
Beyond its technical advantages, this agreement highlights a strategic shift in Vietnam’s defense procurement policy. Traditionally reliant on Russian arms, Vietnam is diversifying its supply sources, partly due to sanctions limiting Russia’s defense exports. The move also reflects Vietnam’s intent to strengthen its land-based defenses amid increasing tensions with China, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The decision to acquire the K9 is further inspired by India’s deployment of the system in mountainous terrains similar to Vietnam’s border regions.
This agreement underscores South Korea's growing prominence as a defense supplier on the global stage. With over 1,400 K9 units already delivered or under contract, the system exemplifies Seoul’s capability to provide advanced military equipment with competitive delivery timelines. South Korean manufacturers also stand out for their adaptability, offering technology transfer agreements and localized production options to meet their clients' specific needs.
This prospective agreement between South Korea and Vietnam signifies a dual strategic shift. For Hanoi, it represents a critical step in modernizing its armed forces and reducing reliance on Russian equipment. For Seoul, it is an opportunity to enhance its diplomatic and security influence in a region of growing geopolitical importance. If concluded, the deal would pave the way for deeper defense cooperation between the two countries and further solidify the K9 Thunder’s reputation as a leading self-propelled artillery system worldwide.
Defense relations between South Korea and Vietnam have seen significant progress in recent years, driven by a series of initiatives to enhance bilateral military cooperation. In September 2024, Vietnamese Chief of General Staff General Nguyen Tan Cuong hosted South Korean Air Force Chief of Staff General Lee Young Su to discuss strengthening military ties. This meeting built on a comprehensive strategic partnership established in December 2022, aimed at advancing collaboration in areas such as maritime security, defense industry, and UN peacekeeping operations. Both countries have also agreed to deepen cultural and political exchanges while supporting each other’s positions on key regional issues, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and stability in the South China Sea.