South Korean Hanwha delivers a new batch of K9A1 self-propelled howitzers to Poland.

The Polish Defense Procurement Agency announced the arrival in Poland of a new batch of 12 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers. This new delivery indicates that Hanwha Aerospace is fulfilling the contract signed with the Polish Ministry of Defense according to the timeline specified in the agreement. These howitzers will equip the new Polish brigade created at the border with Belarus.
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K9A1 in test field  (Picture source: Hanwha Defense )

In July 2022, Poland signed the first contract with Hanwha Aerospace for the supply of 212 K9A1 howitzers. The first batch of 24 artillery systems was delivered to Poland in December 2022. In 2023, Hanwha delivered an additional 40 K9s to the country. According to the agreement, the delivery should be completed by 2026. The contract is valued at $2.4 billion.

Furthermore, in December 2023, Poland signed a second contract with Hanwha for additional artillery systems. This agreement, valued at $2.6 billion, provides for the delivery of six K9A1 howitzers and 146 K9PL self-propelled howitzers (the Polish version of the K9 with Polish-made subsystems) in 2026-2027. This echoes Poland's various orders from the South Korean industry, such as the K2 PL tanks.

K9 Howitzer and its Derivatives

The K9A1, developed by Hanwha Defense, is a modernized version of the K9 Thunder, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by South Korea. The K9 Thunder, produced by Hanwha Defense, is widely regarded as one of the most advanced and capable howitzers in the world. The K9A1, a significant upgrade of the original model, was introduced to enhance the combat capabilities of South Korean artillery and other international armed forces that have adopted this platform.

The K9A1 retains the main features of the K9 Thunder, such as exceptional all-terrain mobility thanks to its tracked chassis, high rate of fire, and long-range strike capability. However, several improvements have been made to increase its accuracy, efficiency, and integration into modern command and control networks. Notable upgrades include an advanced inertial navigation system, an updated fire control management system, and better connectivity to operate in network-centric warfare environments.

In terms of protection, the K9A1 is equipped with reinforced armor to provide better resistance against ballistic threats and shrapnel. The vehicle also has active defense systems to counter missile or rocket attacks. Equipped with a semi-automatic loading system, the K9A1 can fire six rounds per minute with various types of compatible 155 mm shells (the same shells used by the Caesar gun), and its maximum range is 55 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles.