South Korean army demonstrates K9 Thunder SPH and Chunmoo MLRS in Australia during Talisman Sabre 23.

South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers made their Australian debut at Exercise Talisman Sabre 23, ahead of the planned construction of the Australian-variant AS9 Huntsman in Victoria late next year.
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A South-Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer deployed during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 (Picture source: Australian Army/Leading Aircraftman Adam Abela)

Alongside the US M142 HIMARS, the K9 made an impressive display at the firepower demonstration held at Shoalwater Bay Training Area on July 22. Gunners could finally see the future direction of their corps up close. 30 AS9 Huntsmen and 15 AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles will be built in Victoria.

In another first for Australia’s largest military exercise, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces also brought the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system to Queensland for Talisman Sabre 23.

South Korean Marine Corps Artillery Commander Major Kim Donju said their involvement demonstrated the strength and capability of Korean Marine Corps equipment and “improved the capability of joint operations of multinational forces”.

Ties between the two nations continue to grow after the government announced South Korean company Hanwha, which manufactures the K9 Thunder and Chunmoo MLRS, was awarded a contract to build Army’s new AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles. Hanwah is set to deliver 129 IFVs under Land400 Phase 3, which will be manufactured in Geelong.

South Korean K239 Chunmoo MLRS firing during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area (Picture source: Australian Army/Leading Aircraftman Adam Abela)

Defense News August 2023