Hanwha Defense Announces New 8x8 Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer Development at KADEX 2024.

Hanwha Defense, a major player in South Korea's defense industry, has officially announced the development of a new 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer at the KADEX 2024 defense exhibition. The project, set to be a key collaboration with the South Korean Armed Forces, aims to create a next-generation mobile artillery system to meet the military’s evolving operational needs.
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At KADEX 2024, South Korean defense company Hanwha Defense unveils a scale model of its upcoming 8x8 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

At KADEX 2024, Hanwha Defense unveiled a scale model of its 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer project, offering a first look at the artillery vehicle’s expected design and features. Although the project is still in development, it is anticipated to advance rapidly in the coming years, with field trials expected as soon as 2025.

This new South Korean wheeled howitzer is expected to rival the RCH 155, a renowned self-propelled artillery piece produced by German defense company KNDS. With competition in the global defense market intensifying, the South Korean defense giant seeks to position its upcoming artillery vehicle as a formidable alternative, offering advanced mobility and firepower tailored to modern battlefield requirements.

Hanwha Defense's new howitzer will be based on an 8x8 wheeled truck chassis, providing it with the high mobility needed for rapid deployment and efficient operation in diverse terrains. Using a wheeled platform is a departure from traditional tracked systems, such as the K9 Thunder, one of South Korea’s flagship self-propelled howitzers. The new vehicle is expected to offer improved speed and flexibility by integrating a wheeled configuration, especially in regions where road infrastructure allows for greater maneuverability.

The new howitzer will feature the same turret weapon system as the K9, a globally recognized artillery platform. This choice reflects the success of the K9's highly effective 155mm caliber gun, which has been proven in various military operations. The modular approach of utilizing the K9's turret in the new design allows Hanwha to leverage existing technologies while enhancing the vehicle's versatility and operational capacity.

Unlike traditional self-propelled artillery that typically requires larger crews, Hanwha Defense’s new wheeled howitzer will be designed to operate with a crew of just two. This marks a significant reduction in manpower requirements, a feature that aligns with trends in modern military systems emphasizing automation and operational efficiency. The reduction in crew size will likely be achieved through advanced automation and remote-controlled systems, allowing for quicker response times and reduced logistical burdens on the battlefield.

Hanwha's entry into the wheeled self-propelled artillery market is seen as a direct challenge to European competitors, particularly the German-made RCH 155, which has garnered international attention for its performance and mobility. The RCH 155, produced by KNDS, is also based on a wheeled chassis and has been widely regarded as one of the most advanced self-propelled howitzers in the market.

South Korea’s ambition to develop its own 8x8 howitzer is part of a broader trend of modernizing its military equipment while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. By developing a domestically produced solution, South Korea is not only bolstering its defense capabilities but also strengthening its position in the global arms market, with an eye on potential export opportunities.

The development of a new 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer reflects South Korea’s growing influence in the global defense industry. Hanwha Defense, already recognized for its contributions to land defense systems, is expected to showcase this new vehicle as part of its broader strategy to expand its reach in international markets.

This new 8x8 self-propelled howitzer, once fully developed, could become a competitive export product, especially for countries looking for cost-effective, high-performance alternatives to European or American systems. With an emphasis on reduced crew requirements, mobility, and firepower, Hanwha’s 8x8 howitzer is set to address the needs of modern militaries facing diverse operational challenges.