Romania Chooses South Korean K9 Thunder Howitzer for Military Upgrade.

Romania has selected the South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, manufactured by Hanwha Defense, for its armed forces. This decision was announced by Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr following a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Won-sik Shin, on June 19th during an official visit. Romania plans to procure 54 of these self-propelled howitzers.
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The choice of the K9 Thunder reflects a trend among several European countries like Poland, Finland, Norway, and Estonia, which have customized versions of this platform to meet specific operational needs (Picture source: Hanwha)

Although the contract has not yet been formalized, this decision aligns with Romania's broader strategy to upgrade its military arsenal, which also includes replacing its aging T-85 Bison tanks. The details regarding technology transfer and local company involvement in the project remain unspecified at this stage.

The K9 Thunder, in service since 1999, is a highly mobile 155 mm artillery system capable of firing its first round within 30 seconds from a stationary position and executing a shoot-and-scoot tactic in under 60 seconds. With a standard ammunition range of approximately 40 kilometers, extendable to about 54 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles, the K9 boasts advanced fire control systems and an automatic loading mechanism, enhancing its battlefield efficacy. This versatility makes the K9 adaptable to various climates and terrains, contributing to its widespread adoption outside of South Korea.

Romania's interest in South Korean military technology extends beyond the K9 Thunder. A demonstration of the K2 Black Panther main battle tank, also produced by Hyundai Rotem, recently took place in Romania, showcasing the growing defense relationship between the two countries. The K2 Black Panther was also featured at the Black Sea Defense, Aerospace, and Security exhibition, further highlighting South Korean presence in the region.

The choice of the K9 Thunder reflects a trend among several European countries like Poland, Finland, Norway, and Estonia, which have customized versions of this platform to meet specific operational needs. Non-European countries such as Turkey, Egypt, India, and Australia also use this artillery system, which is known for its ability to incorporate local components due to the customization options provided by Hanwha Defense.

The total cost of Romania's proposed acquisition, including support vehicles, ammunition, crew training, and support team formation, is estimated at around 1 billion USD. It remains to be determined which version of the K9 Thunder will be delivered, especially since Hanwha Defense has recently introduced the K9A2 variant, which offers significant enhancements in terms of protection.