Hanwha Begins Production of Wheeled K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer
Hanwha Aerospace has begun production of a wheeled variant of its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, with testing expected to start in early 2026.
The new version is designed to offer customers greater mobility, particularly in regions with well-developed road infrastructure.
The truck-agnostic variant is based on the latest 155mm K9A2 self-propelled howitzer and reportedly features an unprecedented 58-caliber barrel measuring 9 meters (29.5 feet).
The extended barrel enables a range exceeding 70 kilometers (43 miles), providing a significant operational advantage over existing systems.
This represents the longest barrel ever developed for an artillery system. A previous US Army attempt to integrate a 58-caliber barrel ended in failure due to excessive barrel wear.
Potential Customers
Hanwha reportedly began developing the wheeled variant in mid-2024 after losing to KNDS’ RCH 155 in the UK’s Multi-Purpose Howitzer program.
Having learned from that setback, the South Korean defense firm is now targeting new customers, including the US Army.
In 2024, Hanwha was selected alongside four other companies to demonstrate its self-propelled howitzers as part of the US Army’s evaluation effort to modernize its aging 155mm fleet.
Tailored for US Requirements
To strengthen its position, Hanwha has reportedly offered the wheeled K9 in response to a US Army request for information on a mobile tactical cannon.
The company is also willing to adapt its tracked variant to US requirements and establish a full domestic supply chain to support production.
“We’re absolutely committed to US jobs and capacity,” Hanwha Defense USA’s Senior Director of Business Development for Land Systems Jason Pak was quoted as saying.
Hanwha is offering “rapid initial [K9] delivery coming out of Korea if needed, and then that would be immediately followed by full production and sustainment in the US.”
Additional offerings include a US-specific fire control system and the option to upgrade the howitzer to advanced versions as they become available.
