Representatives from six countries using the Hanwha Aerospace K9 self-propelled howitzer gathered in Finland for the K9 User Club annual meeting to share experiences and operational know-how.
This conference is the third of the K9 User Club and is made up of 50 military representatives from South Korea, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Poland and Australia. The United States is attending as an observer.
The conference will also include industry representatives from Milogg, Kongsberg, HSW, Van Halteren and Soucy.
In a snapshot of the first day’s minutes, a Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson explained that member countries shared experience, knowledge and know-how in the operation, maintenance and training of K9 self-propelled howitzers.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Planning Agency also explained its development plans for the next-generation K9A2 and K9A3.
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The K9A2 is expected to be equipped with an automatic turret that enhances lethality, survivability, and digitalization. The K9A3 is also expected to feature extended range with a .58 caliber barrel and further automation and AI to enable human-machine teaming.
The company also pledged to open a K9 spare parts center in Europe to enhance logistics support for local K9 users.
“Hanwha Aerospace prioritizes providing appropriate solutions to K9 user countries to ensure the stable operation and maintenance of K9 SPH. In this regard, we provide our customers with the most effective solutions. We are committed to providing logistics support,” said Cho Sang-hwan, Vice President and Head of MRO Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace.
Over the next few days, K9 users will discuss platform maintenance, tactics and training, as well as participate in industrial and military tours.
User conferences have previously been held in Norway and South Korea.
The K9 currently accounts for 50% of the global market share for artillery self-propelled howitzer platforms, with 1,800 units in operation.
Consistently accurate and fast, with a range of over 40 kilometers.
India and Turkiye also operate K9s but are not participating, while Australia and Egypt are preparing to deploy the weapon systems.
In December 2021, Hanwha Defense Australia formally signed a contract with the British Commonwealth to supply the Australian Army with Huntsman AS9 self-propelled artillery systems as part of the LAND 8116 Phase 1 program. Thirty self-propelled guns were procured for between $900 million and $1.3 billion. Propelled artillery system and her 15 armored ammunition supply vehicles.