K9 self-propelled artillery, the "bright pearl" of the Korean defense industry

South Korea sees the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer as a core component of its military modernization program, as an alternative to Western-made systems.

South Korea’s military technology has long been recognized for its high quality, cost-effectiveness, and effective deployment capabilities, giving it an advantage over its American and Western competitors. The introduction of a domestic defense weapon engine like the K9 Thunder shows that South Korea is ready to strengthen its defense export strategy and consolidate its position in the global arms market. Photo: @MilitaryLeak.

The K9 Thunder is a 155mm / 52 caliber self-propelled gun developed by Hanwha Techwin (formerly Samsung Techwin) for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Photo: @MilitaryLeak.

The development of the K9 Thunder indigenous engine is crucial to enhancing self-sufficiency in defense and promoting exports of the sophisticated artillery system, the Korean arms procurement agency explained. Photo: @ Asian Military Review.

The K9 Thunder self-propelled gun, manufactured by Hanwha Techwin, is recognized as one of the most advanced self-propelled artillery systems in the world . It is fully compatible with NATO standard ammunition. Photo: @ Zona Militar.

The system is already in use or on order from countries such as Australia, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Egypt, India and Turkey. Its performance has also been proven in cold weather conditions in Norway and Finland. Photo: @ Asian Military Review.

The K9 Thunder development program began in 1989. The first prototype was rolled out and tested in 1996. The design phase was completed in 1998 and mass production began in 1999. The South Korean government awarded a contract to Hanwha Techwin to produce the K9 Thunder in December 1998. The first batch of K9s was delivered to the South Korean Army in 1999. Photo: @MilitaryLeak.

In late 2001, the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLFC) signed a contract with Hanwha Techwin to produce the K9 Thunder. The Turkish version is known as the Firtina or T-155 K/M Obus. Turkey received its first batch of eight Firtina guns in 2004. A total of 150 were delivered to the Turkish Army by December 2009. Photo: @MilitaryLeak.

In April 2017, Indian multinational engineering company Larsen & Toubro signed an agreement with Hanwha Techwin for the transfer of technology to indigenously manufacture the K9 self-propelled howitzer for the Indian Army. In September 2020, the K9 self-propelled howitzer was selected by the Australian Army as the preferred solution for its Protected Mobile Firepower requirement under the LAND 8116 program. Photo: @MilitaryLeak

The K9 Thunder self-propelled gun uses a 155mm L52 gun barrel, capable of firing a maximum range of 40-60km depending on the type of ammunition, including standard ammunition, base bleed ammunition and precision-guided ammunition such as the M982A1 Excalibur (reached a range of 50km in testing in the US). Photo: @Zona Militar.

The rate of fire reaches 6-8 rounds/minute, with the ability to fire multiple rounds simultaneously (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact - MRSI), allowing 3 bullets fired on different trajectories to hit the target at the same time, helping to optimize attack effectiveness. Photo: @Asian Military Review.

The K9 Thunder self-propelled gun is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension system that helps the gun operate stably on complex terrain, from deep snow in Norway to the highlands of India. Photo: @ MILMAG.

The 'shoot-and-scoot' feature allows the K9 to fire for 30 seconds after stopping and move immediately to avoid counter-fire from the opponent. Photo: @ Zona Militar.

In addition, the K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Gun also integrates an advanced automatic fire control system (FCS), allowing the selection and loading of appropriate ammunition based on target coordinates. This system helps reduce reaction time and increase accuracy. Photo: @MILMAG.

The K9 operates with the K10 automatic ammunition reloading vehicle (the K10 is a fully tracked combat vehicle), capable of carrying 104 155mm rounds and 504 propellant units, reloading the K9 in 37 minutes at a rate of 12 rounds/minute. The K10 shares the same chassis with the K9, ensuring synchronization and mobility on the battlefield. Photo: @ Asian Military Review.

The K9 Thunder's welded steel structure protects the crew and equipment from 155mm artillery shell fragments, 14.5mm armor-piercing shells, and anti-personnel mines. The vehicle's air filtration system and gas masks are equipped for counter-nuclear and biological warfare (NBC). Photo: @Zona Militar.

The K9 Thunder is powered by an MTU MT 881 Ka-500 8-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine, mated to an Allison ATDX1100-5A3 transmission. The engine produces 1,000 horsepower with a power-to-weight ratio of 21.6 horsepower per ton. The auxiliary engine on the improved K9A1 variant can provide up to 8kW (10.7 horsepower) of additional power. Photo: @Zona Militar.

The K9 Thunder has undergone several upgrades to meet modernization requirements and the needs of countries. Specifically, the K9A1 and K9A2 upgrades. The K9A1 variant is equipped with improvements such as an automatic fire control system, a night periscope for the driver, and an auxiliary power system to improve performance. The improved K9A1 version has a longer range, a faster rate of fire, and greater maneuverability both day and night. Photo: @Asian Military Review.

The K9A2 version has improved rate of fire, autoloading capabilities and other artillery capabilities. The rate of fire has been increased to 10 rounds per minute and ammunition is stored vertically in the turret, creating more usable space in the chassis. This improved variant is currently being tested. The experimental development program is being carried out by Hanwha Defense and the Agency for Defense Development (ADA), a research and development organization owned by the South Korean government. Photo: @ Asian Military Review.

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