South Korea Offers K9 155mm Howitzer to US Army Following ERCA Artillery Program Cancellation.

According to information published by the "Breaking Defense" website on June 4, 2024, South Korea is offering its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer to the U.S. Army to address the capability gap created by the cancellation of the Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program.
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The South Korean K9 Thunder is considered one of the most modern self-propelled howitzers in the world. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The ERCA program, initiated by the U.S. Army in 2015, was designed to enhance the range and lethality of the Army's field artillery systems. The program aimed to develop advanced cannon systems capable of firing artillery shells at significantly greater distances with improved precision, providing more effective ground forces support. The primary platform for ERCA was based on the M109A7 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) chassis, incorporating modernized fire control systems, advanced targeting optics, and digital communication systems.

Despite its ambitious goals, the U.S. Army canceled the ERCA program due to significant technical challenges during the prototyping phase. Re-launched initially in 2018 to extend the artillery range to 70 kilometers, the program faced severe wear and tear on the cannon after relatively few rounds, leading to its termination despite initial testing successes. As a result, the Army has shifted its focus to evaluating existing artillery systems to meet its long-range needs, allocating $55 million in its FY25 budget to identify and implement suitable extended-range cannon solutions.

The K9 Thunder, developed by South Korea's Hanwha Defense, was introduced in 1999 and is currently used by several countries worldwide, including South Korea, Turkey, Poland, India, Finland, Norway, and Estonia. This self-propelled howitzer boasts a 155mm/52-caliber gun, with a firing range of up to 40 kilometers using conventional rounds and up to 50 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles. It features advanced fire control systems, automatic ammunition handling, and enhanced mobility, making it a formidable asset in modern artillery operations.

In the wake of the ERCA program's cancellation, the U.S. Army announced its intention to focus on existing systems for long-range artillery capabilities. In a proactive move, Hanwha Defense is preparing to showcase the K9 Thunder for the U.S. military, potentially in Seoul or at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. This demonstration is a clear indication of their readiness to step in and fill the gap left by the discontinued ERCA program.