Australia’s new AS9 Huntsman 155mm howitzer makes first appearance in South Korea for testing phase.

As reported by Mason on October 12, 2024, the Australian variant of the K9A1, the AS9 Huntsman, was reportedly observed in South Korea for the first time. It is likely that the 155mm self-propelled howitzer was transported by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which is responsible for developing the K9 Thunder and conducting various testing and evaluation services.
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The Australian variant of the K9 Thunder, later known as the AS9, is set to include NATO-standard fire control systems, anti-tank mine protection, and an enhanced suspension to accommodate its weight. (Picture source: Twitter/Mason)

One possibility is that the AS9 was taken to ADD's Changwon Proving Ground, where the agency performs developmental testing and evaluation for military equipment, quality assessment tests for mass-produced military products, performance tests for export items, and performance enhancement evaluations.

The prospect of Australia acquiring the South Korean K9 Thunder was first publicly discussed in June 2005, when discussions began between Australian and South Korean defense officials about potential trade opportunities, including the K9 Thunder and Australian naval gun ammunition. By August 2009, Samsung Techwin and Raytheon Australia became leading contenders for Australia’s Land 17 artillery replacement program, as other bidders did not provide sufficient detail.

Testing of the K9 platform commenced in April 2010, and the vehicle successfully fired the M982 Excalibur, meeting key requirements for the program. The proposed Australian variant, later known as the AS9, was set to include NATO-standard fire control systems, anti-tank mine protection, and an enhanced suspension to accommodate its weight.

One possibility is that the AS9 was taken to ADD's Changwon Proving Ground, where the agency performs developmental testing and evaluation for military equipment, and performance tests for export items. (Picture source: Twitter/Mason)

In June 2010, the K9 was announced as the preferred option for the Land 17 program. However, funding for the project was redirected due to floods in Queensland in 2011, leading to the program’s cancellation in 2012. In 2019, then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australia planned to acquire 30 K9 howitzers and ten K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, although no specific timeline was provided at that time.

In September 2020, Australia issued a tender for Hanwha Defense Australia to locally produce 30 K9 variants as part of the Land 8116 Phase 1 project. The Australian variant, based on the Norwegian K9 VIDAR, was to include enhancements first proposed in 2010, alongside up-to-date modifications. In December 2021, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and Hanwha Defense Australia formalized a $788 million contract for the production of 30 AS9 howitzers and 15 AS10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles at a new facility in Geelong, Victoria.

Hanwha’s Geelong facility, the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE), began construction in April 2022. This 150,000-square-meter site includes a 1.5-kilometer test track and various R&D areas, with plans to create 300 jobs for local specialists. Through international partnerships, including a $67 million deal with Norway’s Kongsberg Gruppen for Integrated Combat Solutions (ICS) and a contract with Hanwha Systems worth 20.8 billion KRW, Hanwha Defense Australia has integrated various systems into the AS9.

The AS9 Huntsman, a 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer, has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometers with standard ammunition and can reach up to 60 kilometers with specialized rounds. (Picture source: Australian MoD)

Mass production of the AS9 and AS10 began at H-ACE in 2024, and the first deliveries to the Australian Army are expected by 2027. The AS9 includes an enhanced suspension system, additional armor for increased protection, and a fire control system from Kongsberg, which allows for integration with other Australian defense assets. These modifications align with the Australian Army’s specific requirements and distinguish the AS9 from the original K9 Thunder. Capable of firing three rounds in 15 seconds and sustaining a rate of six to eight rounds per minute, the AS9 is also equipped with a semi-automated loading system.

The AS9 Huntsman, a 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer, has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometers with standard ammunition and can reach up to 60 kilometers with specialized rounds. Its mobility allows it to quickly relocate after firing, minimizing exposure to potential counterattacks. Therefore, the Australian Army plans to integrate the AS9 into its artillery units, replacing the existing M777 howitzers starting with the 4th Regiment.

The AS9 will support operations with increased range and mobility, while the M777 will continue in roles requiring lightweight, air-mobile artillery. The AS9 can fire multiple rounds timed to arrive on target simultaneously, enhancing operational flexibility. These features, combined with armor improvements and digital control systems, support Australia’s defense modernization objectives.

The AS9 Huntsman includes an enhanced suspension system, additional armor for increased protection, and a fire control system from Kongsberg, which distinguish the AS9 from the original K9 Thunder. (Picture source: Australian MoD)

The AS9 and the accompanying AS10 resupply vehicle represent an effort to establish a local production line for armored vehicles, with all manufacturing and assembly carried out at H-ACE. The AS9’s modifications, such as enhanced air conditioning for hot climates and reinforced crew protection, are tailored to the Australian Army’s needs. Additionally, the AS10 resupply vehicle is designed with armor improvements and an automated loading system that lowers crew risk during combat operations.

Under the Land 8116 Phase 1 contract, Hanwha Defense Australia will produce a total of 30 AS9 howitzers and 15 AS10 resupply vehicles, with production and delivery anticipated to be completed by 2027. These vehicles, based on the K9 Thunder platform, are being customized to meet specific operational requirements for the Australian Army. Agreements with Kongsberg and other partners, including Safran, reinforce the AS9 program’s aim of integrating modern artillery systems into Australia’s defense framework.

The AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer has a length, including the turret, of 12.4 meters, a width of 3.5 meters, and a height of 3.7 meters, with a total weight under 52 tonnes. It is capable of reaching speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour and is designed to carry a crew of five. The AS9's primary weapon is a 155mm 52-caliber main gun, supporting various ammunition types and configured for extended range. Additionally, it can be equipped with a range of pintle-mounted tertiary weapons, such as a 5.56mm Light Support Weapon (F89), a 7.62mm General Service Machine Gun (MAG58), a 12.7mm (0.50 Cal) Machine Gun (M2HB), and a 40mm MK47 Grenade Launcher. The vehicle also features a Remote Weapon System (RWS) compatible with the MAG58, allowing for additional defensive options across operational environments.