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Vietnam Selects South Korea's K9 Thunder Marking a Strategic Shift in Military Relations in Asia.
South Korea continues its expansion in the defense market with the export of the K9 Thunder to Vietnam, a transaction that marks a strategic shift for Hanoi, as reported by South Korean media outlet Daum. Facing an increasingly tense regional environment, particularly in the South China Sea, Vietnam is seeking to modernize its artillery while reducing its dependence on Russia. Until now, most of its military equipment came from Moscow, but the war in Ukraine has disrupted Russian arms supplies, prompting Hanoi to diversify its sources. The contract signed between Hanwha Aerospace and the Vietnamese government, unveiled in January 2025, involves the acquisition of around 20 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers for an estimated $300 million. This sale is particularly significant as it represents the first export of South Korean weapons to a communist country, marking a milestone in the evolution of bilateral defense relations between Seoul and Hanoi.
The K9 Thunder, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, is one of the most widely exported self-propelled howitzers worldwide, currently in service with armed forces in Poland, Finland, Norway, India, and Australia. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Vietnam’s interest in the K9 Thunder was expressed during the 11th ROK-Vietnam Strategic Defense Dialogue in April 2024, against the backdrop of rising tensions with China. The modernization of Vietnam’s artillery is part of a broader effort to strengthen its deterrence capabilities, particularly along its disputed borders and in the South China Sea. Currently, Vietnam’s arsenal relies heavily on aging Soviet-era equipment, such as the 2S3 Akatsiya and 2S1 Gvozdika, which have fallen behind technologically compared to contemporary systems. The K9 provides Vietnam with a modern self-propelled howitzer, capable of a firing range of 40 km with conventional shells and up to 60 km with specialized munitions, along with a high rate of fire and an advanced fire control system that enables multiple-round simultaneous impact (MRSI) capability. This ability to deliver rapid and mobile fire support is a key advantage in modern conflict scenarios, where artillery superiority can be a decisive factor.
The K9 Thunder, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, is one of the most widely exported self-propelled howitzers worldwide, currently in service with armed forces in Poland, Finland, Norway, India, and Australia. Its combination of performance, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various terrains makes it a preferred choice compared to more expensive models like the German PzH 2000. Its lower cost allows countries seeking to modernize their artillery to acquire an effective system at a more accessible price, which has significantly contributed to its commercial success. Additionally, South Korea’s offer of technology transfer is a crucial factor for Vietnam, which aims to develop its domestic defense industry and strengthen its defense autonomy. This military cooperation between Seoul and Hanoi is not limited to a single transaction but is part of a broader strategic framework that includes officer training, joint exercises, and technology exchanges.
The first K9 units are expected to arrive in Vietnam by 2025, with initial deployment likely to strategic artillery units in the northern regions. However, acquiring 20 to 30 units will not be sufficient for a comprehensive modernization of Vietnam’s artillery forces. To significantly enhance its capabilities, Vietnam would need to procure several hundred additional units, a process that would likely extend over several years. Nevertheless, this transaction represents a shift in Vietnam’s military procurement strategy, signaling a gradual move away from Russia in favor of suppliers capable of providing equipment compatible with NATO standards. This shift also highlights an evolving trend within South Korea’s defense industry, which is increasingly establishing itself as a key player in the global arms market.
The acquisition of the K9 Thunder also reflects broader transformations in Vietnam-South Korea relations. Since normalizing diplomatic ties in 1992, the two countries have strengthened their cooperation in multiple areas, including economic, technological, and industrial sectors. South Korea is now the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with major companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai playing a central role in the country’s economic development. More recently, this partnership has extended to the defense sector, with the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022. South Korea aims to solidify its presence in Southeast Asia, a region where Chinese influence is expanding, while diversifying its defense and industrial partnerships.
From a geopolitical perspective, this cooperation represents a significant opportunity for both countries. By strengthening its ties with Seoul, Vietnam gains access to advanced military technology without relying exclusively on the United States—an important balance to maintain in its foreign policy to avoid provoking China. For South Korea, this partnership with Hanoi aligns with a broader regional strategy aimed at establishing more independent defense alliances in response to growing security challenges in Asia. While remaining a close ally of the United States, Seoul seeks to build its strategic network in the Asia-Pacific region by fostering strong defense relationships with countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. This dynamic extends beyond the military sphere, reflecting a realignment of alliances in Asia, where Vietnam and South Korea are consolidating their positions amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties.
Ultimately, Vietnam’s procurement of the K9 Thunder is more than just an arms deal. It signifies a strategic shift for Hanoi, which is modernizing its military forces and diversifying its defense partnerships while moving toward equipment compatible with Western standards. For South Korea, this transaction represents a significant step in its ambition to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, reinforcing its role as a leading defense supplier. This growing partnership between the two nations is part of a broader realignment of power dynamics in Asia, where alliances are shifting in response to an increasingly assertive China. The export of the K9 to Vietnam illustrates South Korea’s rising stature as a strategic player in the global defense market while contributing to the reshaping of security relations in the Asia-Pacific region.