“Forging Defense: K9 Howitzer User Group Unites in Helsinki”
Delegates from six nations utilizing the Hanwha Aerospace K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer are convening in Finland for the annual K9 User Club gathering, exchanging insights and operational expertise.
This gathering marks the third edition of the K9 User Club and comprises 50 military representatives from South Korea, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Poland, and Australia. The United States is participating as an observer.
Industry representatives from Millog, Kongsberg, HSW, Van Haltern, and Soucy are also present at the meeting.
During a summary of the first day’s activities, a spokesperson from Hanwha Aerospace conveyed that participant nations exchanged experiences, insights, and technical knowledge related to the operation, maintenance, and training of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration of South Korea also outlined their initiatives to develop the next-generation K9A2 and K9A3 variants.
The K9A2 is anticipated to incorporate an automated turret to provide improved lethality, survivability, and digitization. Meanwhile, the K9A3 is expected to offer extended range through a 58-caliber barrel along with increased automation and AI capabilities to facilitate human-machine collaboration.
The company has also committed to establishing a K9 spare parts hub in Europe, enhancing logistical support for regional K9 operators.
“Hanwha Aerospace emphasizes providing tailored solutions to K9 user nations to guarantee reliable operation and maintenance of the K9 SPH. In this regard, we are unwavering in our commitment to deliver the most efficient logistical support to our clients,” stated vice president Cho Sang-hwan, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s MRO Business group.
In the upcoming days, K9 operators are set to deliberate on maintenance, tactics, and training for the platform, along with participating in industry and military excursions.
Previous user meetings have taken place in Norway and South Korea.
The K9 currently constitutes 50 percent of the worldwide market share for self-propelled artillery platforms, with 1,800 units deployed.
It delivers consistent, precise, and rapid effects at distances exceeding 40 kilometers.
India and Turkiye also use the K9, though they are not attending, while Australia and Egypt are getting ready to deploy these weapon systems.
In December 2021, Hanwha Defense Australia officially finalized a contract with the Commonwealth for the provision of Huntsman AS9 self-propelled artillery systems to the Australian Army as part of the LAND 8116 Phase 1 initiative — a procurement of 30 self-propelled artillery systems and 15 armored ammunition resupply vehicles, valued between $900 million and $1.3 billion.
