K9 Thunder
TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Place of originSouth Korea
Service history
In serviceK9: 1999–present
K9A1: 2018–present
Used bySee Operators
Wars
Production history
Designer
Designed1989–1998
Manufacturer
  • Samsung Aerospace Industries (1998–2000)
  • Samsung Techwin (2000–2015)
  • Hanwha Techwin (2015–2017)
  • Hanwha Land Systems (2017–2019)
  • Hanwha Defense (2019–2022)
  • Hanwha Aerospace (2022–present)

Unit cost4 billion KRW (for the ROK Armed Forces)[1]
ProducedK9: 1998–2017
K9A1: 2018–present
No. built1,700 (2020)[2]
VariantsK10 ARV
K11 FDCV
T-155 Fırtına
AHS Krab
Specifications
MassK9 & K9A1: 47 t (46 long tons; 52 short tons), combat[3]
K9A2: 48.5 t (47.7 long tons; 53.5 short tons), combat, with metal track[4]
LengthOverall: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
Hull: 7.44 m (24 ft 5 in)
Width3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
Height2.73 m (8 ft 11 in)
Crew5 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, 2 Loaders)

Maximum firing range18 km (M107, HE)
30 km (M549A1, RAP/HE)
36 km (K310, BB/DP-ICM)
41 km (K307, BB/HE)
60 km (K315, BB+RAP/HE)

ArmourPOSCO MIL-12560H armor steel (domestic only, after 2022)
Bisalloy Steel armor steel (export variants, after 2022)
Main
armament
Hyundai WIA CN98 155 mm 52 caliber, 48 rounds
Secondary
armament
SNT Dynamics K6 12.7x99 mm NATO HMG
EngineSTX Engine/MTU Friedrichshafen MT881Ka-500 8-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine
735 kW (1,000 hp) @ 2,700 rpm
Power/weight21.3 hp/t (15.88 kW/t)
TransmissionSNT Dynamics/Allison Transmission X1100-5A3
4 forward, 2 reverse
SuspensionMottrol/Horstman Hydropneumatic Suspension Unit (HSU)
Travel distance: ≤ 275 mm
Dead weight: 40 - 45 kN
Ground clearance410 mm (16 in)
Fuel capacity850 L (225 U.S. gal)
Operational
range
360 km (220 mi)
Maximum speed 67 km/h (42 mph)

The K9 Thunder is a South Korean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed and developed by the Agency for Defense Development and private corporations including Dongmyeong Heavy Industries, Kia Heavy Industry, Poongsan Corporation, and Samsung Aerospace Industries for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and is now manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace.[3] K9 howitzers operate in groups with the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle variant.[5][6]

The entire K9 fleet operated by the ROK Armed Forces is now undergoing upgrades to K9A1, and a further upgrade variant K9A2 is being tested for production. As of 2022, the K9 series has had a 52% share of the global self-propelled howitzer market, including wheeled vehicles, since the year 2000.[5][6]

Development

In the 1980s, the ROK Armed Forces came in need of a new artillery system to contest North Korean equipment. The armed forces operated M107 self-propelled guns and K55 self-propelled howitzers. However, they had shorter firing ranges compared to M-1978 Koksan and were outnumbered by various North Korean artillery. With the success in designing and manufacturing the KH178 105 mm and KH179 155 mm Towed Howitzers, and experience gained by license producing the K55 (KM109A2), the Ministry of Defense ordered the development of a new system that would have a longer firing range, faster firing rate, and high mobility. The development started in 1989 and was led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Samsung Aerospace Industries (now Hanwha Defense).[7]

Since 1983, the ADD researchers have been collecting and analyzing data for future artillery. They saw that burst fire and quick relocation would become the dominant factor in artillery battles and built an automatic loading system for testing in 1984. In 1987, the ADD offered an upgrade plan to the existing K55 inspired by the United States' M109 Howitzer Improvement Program (HIP), but was rejected by the Republic of Korea Army in 1988. As a result, and at the beginning of K9 development, the ADD was determined to create a new weapon system and worked on a conceptual model until 1991. Early concepts requested by the military included river crossing capability and the installation of M61 Vulcan as an anti-air weapon, which were later removed due to being unnecessary for such a long-range weapon.[7][8]

In 1989, the only design data the researchers could obtain at that time were the provisions of the four-nation ballistic agreements, namely the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, to secure the homogeneity of the ammunitions—the new 52 caliber gun fires a NATO standard ammunition (L15A1) at a speed of 945 m per second from chamber volume of 3,556 cm3. The first domestic design was prepared by extending and modifying the 155 mm 39 caliber gun used for the KH179.[9] The first firing test was held in January 1992 but experienced many problems due to design errors.[10]

In September 1990, a Korean developer visited the United Kingdom in search of turret design technology which was known to have been developed by British Vickers for AS-90. Vickers refused the technology transfer. Instead, the company offered the AS-90 for sale. The developer also visited Marconi, but the negotiations ended with an unsatisfactory result due to a high requested price. Therefore, developers pursued a domestic electrohydraulic driving system, using the experience in turret design and turret driving devices of the K1 MBT. The simulator was built in 1991.[11][12]

The next year, researchers found that the disproportionate moment of the 52-caliber was twice of the K55. The balancing machine, which increased the capacity of the existing hydraulic balancing machine, did not sufficiently compensate for the imbalance moment value due to the change in the position of the armament. The driving force was very different depending on the driving angle. The same problem appeared in Germany's Panzerhaubitze 2000, which was under development. A joint research team from the ADD and Seoul National University of Science and Technology calculated an accurate theoretical model, and concluded that adjustment to system configuration was possible without major design changes.[11][12]

Meanwhile, loud noise from hydraulic generators, which can cause hearing loss under long exposure, was also a problem. The engineers of the ADD and Dongmyeong Heavy Industries (now Mottrol) found that the noise was due to excessive shaking of hydraulic pressure, thus creating an experimental device using the principle of Helmholtz attenuators used in car mufflers. The noisy equipment became quieter and the hydraulic pulsation was significantly reduced. Overall, the domestic design showed driving precision of less than 1 mil in the standard error range.[11][12]

In the winter of 1991, the ADD held talks with engineers from Samsung Aerospace Industries' special research institute. The ADD originally demanded that Samsung be in charge of system assembly only, as the company had no experience in developing its own tracked vehicle design despite having the experience in manufacturing K55 under license. The decision was overturned and the manufacture of the MTR (Mobility Test Rig) was decided upon.[13] Samsung worked with KAIST on suspension and Seoul National University & Pohang University of Science and Technology on mobility systems. The engine was co-developed with American AAI Corporation. The test of the MTR was finished in November 1992.[14]

In April 1992, BMY Combat Systems (now BAE Systems Land and Armaments) invited members of the ADD for its first M109A6 Paladin release ceremony and expressed interest in participating in Korea's self-propelled howitzer program by upgrading the K55 to Paladin standard. In May, members of BMY Combat Systems and Taledyne Brown visited the ADD, and suggested co-development of a new howitzer based on the P-52, a 52-caliber Paladin variant. This proposal was rejected by Korean developers. Later, during a Data Exchange Agreement meeting, South Korea and the United States confirmed that the U.S. had no claim to any intellectual property rights of the howitzer, to avoid possible disputes in the future.[15][16]

From 1992 to 1993, the developers explored and confirmed the required operational capability, such as the system suitability of major components and the possibility of reaching the maximum firing range of 40 kilometres (25 mi). An internal review predicted that the howitzer would achieve a localization rate of 107 out of 235 (45.5%) technologies by the late 1990s. Unsatisfied with the review, South Korea decided to continue developing main system, main gun, 155 mm ammunition, fire control system, structure, and autoloader; meanwhile, the engine, transmission, and INS (inertial navigation system) were to be imported from foreign partners, and license produce hydropneumatic suspension to target 70% localization rate. The engineers faced the biggest challenges designing main gun and suspension due to lack of experience. While licensing the K55, its main gun was brought as a finished product and the suspension was produced from knowledge from the United States.[15][17]

Based on a review of the required operational capability in October 1992, a firing rate of three shots within 15 seconds was chosen for economic feasibility. The rationale was that it is difficult for targets to be out of fatal range within 15 seconds after the first impact, and that the firing rate can be shortened depending on training level. If a firing rate of three shots in 10 seconds was demanded, it would have caused a huge increase in development costs as well as an unnecessary burden on researchers.[18]

The development was delayed between March and August 1993 as a result of purge of Hanahoe, a private military club within the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, who aligned with military dictator Chun Doo-hwan, by president Kim Young-sam who was elected by democratic election. In addition, the army logistics department also refused to sign the letter of agreement for XK9 until a development plan for the maintenance elements is created.[19] When the Joint Chiefs of Staff finalized the system development agreement in late August 1993, the Defense Ministry approved a prototype development plan in September and the president approved the project in early October.[20]

Since domestically developed armor steel plates were applied for the first time, the researchers decided to produce and compare armor plates from both imported and domestic materials to reduce the risk. Meantime, Samsung began to train and employ master craftsman welders whose skills were verified by the U.S. Aberdeen Test Center. Armor plates went through a series of tests such as stress and ballistic impacts, and researchers verified that the domestic plate performed better than the imported plate.[21]

The ADD saw that the HSU (Hydropneumatic Suspension Unit) provides better mobility and crew comfort. At that time, the HSU caused problems with some equipment and it was yet to be fully verified for durability, igniting controversy internationally. Therefore, it was inevitable to introduce and localize a British Air-Log (now Horstman) HSU that is used for the AS-90. However, when researchers applied the Air-Log HSU on the MTR and prototypes, they soon found that the HSU couldn't support heavier vehicles, thus failing the durability test. Since May 1997, engineers from the ADD and Dongmyeong Heavy Industries have spent a year on five redesigns and 11 durability tests. After the development of the new HSU, the design was exported back to Britain.[22][23]

Developers changed the power pack for the MTR with the combination of an 850 hp engine from Detroit Diesel, which offered a smaller cooling system, and Allison Transmission's X1100 automatic transmission. This powertrain passed the tests on the MTR, but the engine failed on prototype vehicles due to low durability. The researchers looked for new engines from overseas. Perkins Engines and MTU Friedrichshafen showed interest in selling engines in August 1995. Perkins Engines offered the CV12 Condor, which was also used in the Challenger 2, but with horsepower reduced to 1,000. The price was slightly higher than that of Detroit Diesel; it was a relatively large 12-cylinder, which would require a design change on the chassis and there was a technical insufficiency of cooling devices. MTU's MT-881, though more expensive, offered a compact eight-cylinder with the same cutting-edge cooling system from the latest Euro Pack. The engine was also used for the PzH 2000 in Germany, and was undergoing trials in Germany and Canada. After examinations, the German design was chosen for the program, and was tested on an ATR (Automotive Test Rig) for a year starting in September 1997.[24]

In the spring of 1992, the test gun experienced a detonator breakage caused by a differential pressure, at which the pressure increases in the opposite direction of the shell. After many years of failures and updates, researchers decided to change the shape of the propellant in 1997. The tiny pellets of the U.S.-style propellant, which have seven holes similar to briquettes, were replaced with 19 holes by mimicking the German style without knowing the specification. After numerous tests, the gun achieved a range of 40 kilometres (25 mi) below 53,000 psi in 1998.[25]

A total of three prototypes were built and performed their first open trials in 1996. During the test, the prototypes succeeded in firing at distances of 40 kilometres (25 mi) and six rounds per minute, but failed to fire three rounds in 15 seconds.[26][27] In December 1997, one of the prototypes was damaged by fire, due to failing complete combustion, after testing 18 rounds in three minutes. One researcher was killed and two injured. The damaged prototype's internal system survived the fire, and was repaired for further use. The prototypes fired 4,100 rounds and underwent 13,800 kilometres (8,600 mi) of mobility tests including extreme temperature conditions and various type of terrain such as ski courses during the winter season.[1][12][28]

After firing 12,000 rounds and driving 18,000 kilometres (11,000 mi) over 10 years, the development was finished in October 1998 with the achievement of an 87% localization rate.[note 1][29] The contract for the first batch of K9 artillery system was awarded to Samsung Aerospace Industries in December 1998.[30] The produced vehicles were supposed to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Army. However, a 1999 naval battle between the two Koreas caused the delivery to be rerouted to the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. The first vehicle was rolled out in December 1999, and was given to the marines in Yeonpyeongdo.[31][32][33]

General characteristics

The K9 is of welded construction, using 20,000 kilograms (44,000 lb) of MIL-12560H armor steel developed by POSCO for K2 Black Panther project,[34][35] which can withstand explosion pressure and fragments from 152 mm HE rounds, 14.5 mm armor piercing rounds, and anti-personnel mines all around. The vehicle can protect crews from CBRN threats using an air-purification system.[3]

The power-pack consists of a 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) MT881Ka-500 MTU Friedrichshafen engine licensed by Ssangyong Heavy Industries (now STX Engine)[36] and an Allison Transmission X1100-5A3 transmission licensed by Tongil Precision Machinery Industries (now SNT Dynamics),[37] and is installed on a hydropneumatic suspension chassis. Driven by Firstec driving system,[38] the 47-metric-ton (52-short-ton) vehicle has maximum speed of 67 kilometres per hour (42 mph) or maintains above 56 km/h at 60% longitudinal slope, and is capable of operating in various terrain conditions including desert, snow, jungle, and mountains. It can also be deployed as self-propelled coastal artillery for surface targets, creating a no-access zone within its firing range.[5][39]

The main armament is a CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun manufactured by Kia Heavy Industry (now Hyundai WIA),[40] with a maximum firing range of 40 kilometres (25 mi) with K307 rounds. Or 60 kilometres (37 mi) with K315 rounds fired from the upgraded K9A1 variant. The K9 stores 24 rounds in the bustle rack while an additional 24 rounds are located at the rear of the hull. Assisted by a semi-automatic feeding system, fire control system, and the Battalion Tactical Command System (BTCS), the vehicle can burst fire three rounds in 15 seconds, with the ability to land shells in multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) mode. It has a maximum rate of fire of six to eight rpm for three minutes (until emptying 24 ammunitions store in the bustle rack), then reduced to two to three rpm for sustain fire (hand carrying ammunitions to feeder). The vehicle can shoot-and-scoot and be ready to fire in 30 seconds between stops or 60 seconds between maneuvers. After firing, it can relocate to a new position in 30 seconds, to increase survivability from enemy counter-battery attacks.[3]

The shells, fed by from a K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, enter from the door behind the turret and are automatically rolled and loaded on the rack. When the shooting specification is decided, the chosen shell is placed on the tray in the center of the rack. A loader pulls the tray handle, and the shell slides into the carrier. Then the carrier repositions to the angle of shooting, and transfers the shell to the autoloader, which immediately "throws" the shell into the barrel.[41]

The K9 uses the TALIN (Tactical Advanced Land Inertial Navigator) 5000 for its INS, purchased from Honeywell Aerospace after the announcement of the development of a ring laser gyroscope system that can withstand the shock from gunfire. The positioning device consists of a ring laser gyro that can detect up to one-ten-thousandth of Earth's rotational angular velocity, an accelerometer that can detect up to one-hundred-thousandth of Earth's gravitational acceleration, and a navigation computer that calculates using data detected by these sensors. This positioning device calculates the location of the self-propelled gun, the azimuth angle of the gun to the north, and the elevation and inclination angle of the earth's horizontal plane by itself. The calculated navigation information and posture information are provided to the fire control system, which has a positional accuracy within 10 m, an azimuthal accuracy within 0.7 mil, and an elevation and inclination angle accuracy within 0.35 mil.[42]

The K9 has both manual (mechanical and optical) and automatic (electronic) fire control system. The manual fire control system is similar to that of K55, while the AFCS consists largely of a system controller, display, a shooting controller with a built-in ballistic program, a communication processor, and a power controller, and serves as an interface between the operator and the machine. Various electronic control devices such as positioning devices, gun & turret driving systems, ammunition transports, trigger devices, gun temperature sensors, and radios are interlinked to achieve automation. The AFCS uses ballistic programs and muzzle velocity sensors to calculate firing data on its own, as well as to receive shooting commands via data and voice communication from the BTCS. The FCS is the first of its kind in that it can calculate weather measurements by altitude, thus providing more precise shooting specifications.[43]

K9A1

In September 2011, the Defense Committee addressed issues regarding the K9 Thunder's FCS (fire control system), noting that its computer and OS (operating system) are discontinued and outdated, thus increasing related logistics cost by 70% over past 3 years. India expressed the same concern. The first produced 24 K9s are equipped with i386 and the rest are with i486; DOS is installed on both types. On the other hand, Samsung Techwin argued that both the processor and the OS are widely used in the military including newly produced weapons, that older CPUs are more durable, and that DOS has a lower failure rate.[44]

The military was determined to launch a FCS upgrade program starting in 2013 for both logistical reason's and Australia's request.[45][46] In October 2013, the DAPA announced a future plan for K9 upgrades along with a new extended range ammunition starting in 2014.[47] In December 2013, the DAPA awarded Samsung Techwin as a main provider for the K9 upgrade program.[48] In August 2014, Hanwha and Poongsan were selected as the preferred bidders for new extended ammunition used for both the K9 and the K55A1. The two companies will compete to win the project.[49]

In August 2017, the DAPA approved the serial production of upgraded K9s. K9A1 upgrades include an automatic FCS, combining GPS system to INS, an improved driver's night periscope with thermal frontal camera, a rear view camera, and a driver's safety system. The 8~10 kW auxiliary power unit is provided by Farymann & TZEN co, Ltd.[50][51] A1 standard also allows to shoot new extended range ammunition.[3] Each vehicle will receive upgrades during its overhaul, starting in 2018.[52] The first K9A1 joined the Republic of Korea Army in August 2018.[53]

Details of the K9A1 upgrade:[54]

  • Installation of APU : The APU allows the vehicle to react and fire without running the main engine, thus reduces fuel consumption. Crew members can operate without being exposed to the engine noise. Since the engine no longer needs to operate when the vehicle is stationary, the cost for engine maintenance was reduced.
  • Enhanced driver's system : The driver's night periscope was changed from image intensifier to FLIR, and can be viewed from the monitor. A rear view camera was installed. The driver's safety system disables the turret to rotate at a certain angle when the driver's hatch is open. The feature can be turned off if necessary.
  • GPS : By combining INS and GPS, the vehicle can locate itself more precisely and faster by complementing each other, which also increases accuracy.
  • Enhanced FCS : The computer and OS are upgraded. Software such as a field manual and ammunition monitoring are installed. The FCS is fully automated by using an electronic fuse setter and ammunition management system. The new FCS occupies less space, and is programmed for new extended range ammunition (60 km).

K9A2

In May 2016, the DAPA announced the concept for a robotic howitzer at the international artillery conference held in the United Kingdom. The DAPA then launched several projects consisting of insensitive charge, better rifling of the main gun, and a fully automated loading system. The upgraded K9 will have longer range, faster firing rates, and reduced crew members—similar capabilities to the United States' XM2001 Crusader.[55]

In August 2021, the ADD and Hanwha Defense completed the development of a high-response artillery automation system started in 2016.[56] The new system is essential for a future remote controlled variant, and will enable a fully automated loading system including charges and fuse set—increasing the fire rate by 1.5 times.[57] Developers originally designed munitions to be stored in the chassis. Due to the limited turret rotation, gun elevation, and to reduce the distance of munitions moving to the chamber for faster reloading, the location of the munitions was changed from the chassis to the turret.[4]

The Republic of Korea Armed Forces will confirm the ROC for K9A2 Block-I upgrade in March 2022. The K9A2 is expected to be operational by 2027. The military is designing the K9A3, with a firing range of 100 km.[58] The operational K9A2 technology demonstrator was revealed to the public by Hanwha Defense in February 2022.[59] In March 2022, the high-response artillery automation system was shown to the public.[5] The vehicle's turret is extended in length for installation of an autoloader. Its centre location is better than previous variants. The prototype weighs 48.5 t (combat) with metal tracks, which can be decreased by more than 2 t by switching to composite rubber tracks. Reduced weight can contribute to the installation of additional armor or subsystems.[4]

In July 2022, the Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee approved a proposal of 2.36 trillion KRW for 2023 to 2034 in development, and an upgrade of the K9A2 Block-I.[60]

In June 2023, the DAPA authorized the development of K9A2 Block-I with a budget of 2.36 trillion KRW for 2023 to 2027.[61] South Korea plans to upgrade basic K9s to K9A2 standard, and achieve full operational capability by 2034.[62]

Details of the K9A2 upgrade:[5][63]

  • Enhanced main gun : New rifling and chrome plating will increase barrel life from 1,000 rounds to 1,500 rounds, longer range, and allow faster firing rate.
  • High-response artillery automation system : Key feature of the A2 and future A3 upgrade. Reduces crew number from 5 to 3 (2 in emergency) by installing a fully automated autoloading system, which increases the maximum firing rate from 6 to 8 rds/min to 9 to 10 rds/min and sustain firing rate from 2 to 3 rds/min to 4 to 6 rds/min.
  • Increased sustained fire : All 48 rounds are located in the turret, and are accessible with the autoloader.
  • Turret driving system : Changes from an electrohydraulic to an electric driving system.
  • Automatic fire suppress system (AFSS) : Enhanced fire suppress system for crew protection.
  • Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) : Enables use of a secondary weapon without exposing a crew member.
  • Air conditioning : Increases crew comfort by cooling down the temperature.
  • Modular charge system (MCS): Provides crew protection from secondary explosions due to enemy fire including heavy weapons, by adapting insensitive charge, and required for the automatic loading process.
  • Composite rubber track (CRT): Provides crew comfort by reducing vibration, noise, and lesser required maintenance. Reduced weight improves the vehicle's operational range. The rubber has a lower fatality from fragments to surrounding soldiers, compared to metal when under attack.[64]
  • Enhanced armor : Anti-tank mine protection. Similar to the AS9 Huntsman standard.?

K9A3

In 2020, the DAPA announced the K9A3 upgrade plan will apply unmanned technology and achieve 100 km shooting distance using gliding ammunition. The DAPA talked about the development of a super long-range cannon or a railgun to be mounted on the next generation of self-propelled howitzers.[65]

In September 2022, the ADD began research into increasing the firing range of the howitzer. The new variant is expected to equip a 58 caliber gun, similar to the US Army's M1299 howitzer and ramjet munitions to achieve a maximum range greater than 80 km. The project is scheduled to be 60 months long, completing in August 2027.[66] In November 2022, the Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee approved 440 billion KRW between FY2024 and FY2036 to develop and acquire precision guided munitions for the K9 platform.[67]

K10 ARV (Ammunition Resupply Vehicle)

A K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle

The K10 ARV is an automatic resupply vehicle based on K9 platform, sharing most of the components and characteristics. Its concept study started in November 1998 by Samsung Aerospace Industries and Pusan National University. Its design began in February 2002 by Samsung Techwin (previously Samsung Aerospace Industries), the ADD, and the DTaQ (Defense Agency for Technology and Quality), The army declared its completion in October 2005. The first vehicle rolled out in November 2006, with a price tag of 2.68 billion KRW. It was assigned to the 1st Artillery Brigade of the Republic of Korea Army. South Korea became the first nation to operate such type of military equipment.[68][69][70][71]

The vehicle has a combat weight of 47 metric tons,[72] and can support a K9 team by carrying and resupplying 104 shells of 155 mm artillery ammunition and 504 units of charges under heavy fire. The vehicle is operated by a 3-person crew, requiring only one loader by applying fully automated control system. It transfers ammunition at a maximum speed of 12 rounds/min. It takes 37 minutes to fully load, and 28 minutes to empty the K10.[69] It is often called the briquette car by military and defense industry officials.[73]

The K10 AARV (Armored Ammunition Resupply Vehicle) is an enhanced protection variant of the K10 ARV. The first of its kind will be produced in Australia as the AS10.[74]

K11 FDCV (Fire Direction Control Vehicle)

The K11 FDCV is designed for the Egyptian military to provide command and control, reconnaissance, and communication for armored vehicles. The vehicle is based on K10, and has a high mobility.[75]

Operational history

In October 2003, the K9 Thunder was evaluated by Spain at the military base located in Zaragoza.[76]

In 2004, the K9 was sent to Malaysia to test its operation capability in tropical rainforest environment.[76]

In 2004, KRCMI (Korea Research Center for Measuring Instruments) developed doppler radar calibration system, which gave significant increase in accuracy by lowering the impact error from 0.1% to 0.05%.[77][78] Using the new technology, the ADD and DST (Davit System Technology) launched a joint project for a domestic MVRS (muzzle velocity radar system). In September 2007, DST announced the development of model MVRS-3000, increasing both performance and localization of the vehicle.[79][80]

In December 2006, South Korean military distributed the K10 digital manual. The manual was developed with a budget of 1 billion KRW. It can easily identify the equipment composition, specifications, operation procedures, operating principles, maintenance tips, and signs of failure of the K10 ARV. It visualizes the vehicle in 3D virtual reality, so operators can easily understand compared to conventional text-based manuals.[81] After seeing significant improvement in training efficiency, operating capability, and maintenance skill of soldiers, K9 digital manual was also adopted as a follow-up in May 2007.[82]

In September 2010, a major issue regarding the engine was brought up by the defense committee. According to the report, a total of 38 K9s experienced engine cavitation since 2005. Initial investigation prior to the discussion suggested that the use of 3rd party manufactured antifreeze may have caused the engine cavitation.[83] Using the recommended TK-6-03-01012 antifreeze did not solve the problem, suggesting that the antifreeze is not the cause of the issue.[84] One of the defense committee mentioned that the Turkish T-155, which uses identical mobile system but has APU (auxiliary power unit) installed, never reported such a case.[85] The military decided to go for further study by closely monitoring how antifreeze affects the engine, and test the APU when the vehicle is in idle.[86] Installing an APU on the K9 was discussed during its development phase, but was not adapted for mass production.[87]

A North Korean artillery attack near-misses a K9 Thunder, igniting fire on charges placed outside of the vehicle in November 2010.

The K9 Thunder saw its first combat during the bombardment of Yeonpyeong in November 2010. After receiving a surprise artillery bombardment from North Korea, howitzers operated by the 7th Artillery Company of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps were tasked with a counterattack. Prior to the attack, four howitzers had been on a scheduled firing exercise, and two remained in the fortified position. One vehicle experienced a shell stuck in the barrel due to a misfire from a faulty charge. After the training, the crew opened the hatches, and some dismounted while waiting for the disabled gun to be fixed.[88]

Every vehicle always carries 20 shells of HE and flares combined for a rapid response.[89] The marines on the island have been operating the AN/TPQ-37 radar since mid 2010 due to increasing threats from North Korea.[90] However, the number of radar units was not sufficient to cover the long fortified North Korean coastline that marines were facing.[91]

Three out of four vehicles participating in the exercise received damage from the initial surprise attack. Shrapnel from near-hit explosions damaged internal parts via open hatches, triggering a fire in one vehicle after hitting the charges stored inside. None of the vehicles suffered crew casualties. The attack disabled the main power station of the base, shutting off the radar temporarily. After relocating to a fortified position, the marines responded with three K9s, including one damaged vehicle, to predesignated positions at Mudo, as they were unable to locate North Korean artillery positions.[88]

K9s were able to employ counter-battery fire after reactivated radar detected North Korean artillery positions at Kaemori, from a second wave of incoming attack. Another K9 joined the fight after switching to manual firing mode, increasing the number to four.[88] Additional and different type of ammunitions were supplied by hand at the gun emplacements.[89]

In May 2011, the K9 performed direct firing for the first time.[92][93] A K9 is capable of hitting a bullseye at a distance of 1 km with direct firing.[5]

In February 2012, the DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration) launched arms localization project, which includes K9's INS.[94] In May 2012, Doosan DST was selected for the domestic INS development.[95] The plan to apply domestic INS on K9 was later changed to license produce in 2015 while domestic models are being used for K21 and K30.[96]

In October 2013, Daeshin Metal became the major parts supplier for Allison Transmission in making X1100-5A3 as an offset trade, further increasing localization. Applicated transmission will be equipped starting on the 10th and the 5th batch production of K9 and K10 respectively.[97]

In March 2015, South Korean military announced that Samsung Techwin is developing a driver's safety system, as a consequence of an accident resulting in the death of an operator in January 2015. Under the safety system, the turret rotation automatically stops if the driver's hatch remains open and is at the dangerous angle to the driver. The feature can be turned off if necessary.[98]

In September 2015, another offset trade was signed between Honeywell Aerospace and Navcours. Under the agreement, Navcours will license production and service of the TALIN 5000 INS, which is already being used in the K9 and K55A1, for domestic use, and supply Honeywell Aerospace as well.[99]

In May 2016, K9 test fired JBMoU (Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding) compliant HE-ER ammunition in Sweden successfully, reaching 43 km in distance.[76]

In August 2016, the K9 was tested by the UAE military. The vehicle managed to drive in the desert at max speed for one hour nonstop, without any malfunction.[1]

In August 2017, a K9 operated by the 5th Artillery Brigade of the Republic of Korea Army was set ablaze during a firing exercise, causing 3 deaths and 4 wounds among crew members and instructors. After the investigation, it was found that the faulty spring caused the hammer to detonate prematurely, pushing the explosion into the vehicle before the breech was fully closed, and set on fire the additional charges which were taken out from the rack for the next firing. The entire K9 fleet operated by South Korea underwent inspection during the investigation. The Republic of Korea Armed Forces responded with the installation of black boxes, an AFSS (automatic fire suppression system), reinforced maintenance, and providing flame-resistance uniforms to crew members.[100]

In May 2018, an ABC (Automatic Bore Cleaner) model RB-155 by SDI (SooSung Defense Industries) was adapted for the South Korean K9. The automatic cleaner provides efficiency in maintenance by requiring just one person to clean the barrel in 20 minutes, with incomparable result compared to conventional cleaning.[101][102]

The production and the delivery of the K9 Thunder ended in June 2018. The factory will continue to produce the model as K9A1 variant. The first new variant was fielded by the 5th Artillery Brigade of the Republic of Korea Army in August 2018.[103]

In July 2019, Hanwha was removed from the new ammunition project due to unsatisfactory results, making Poongsan the sole bidder.[104]

In September 2020, the DAPA launched a project for indigenous engines for the vehicle. The project is expected to cost ₩75 billion over a period of 5 years.[105]

On 13 November 2020, the DAPA announced that the entire K9 program delivered to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces is now at full operational capability, bringing the K9 Thunder program for the South Korean military to completion.[106]

In the same month, new extended range ammunition by Poongsan was accepted for service after years of tests. The new ammunition combines BB (base bleed) with RAP (rocket assisted propulsion), reaching 54 km with HE or 45 km with DP-ICM. The manufacturing will start in 2022, and will be operational by 2023.[107][108] However, the introduction was delayed as 5 out of 77 items did not meet the standards during heat wave and cold wave tests.[109] Poongsan also has been working on different types of ammunition, such as POM (PARA – Observation Munition) and GGAM (Gliding Guided Artillery Munition) since 2013 and 2014 respectively.[110]

Since February 2021, the K9 Vajra-T was deployed to the Ladakh region during territorial tensions between China and India.[111]

On 7 May 2021, Hanwha Defense announced a cooperation with the Australian company HIFraser in supplying AFSS for AS9 and AS10 for Australia. HIFraser will start to assist Korean company DNB Co in delivery of AFSS to Korean operated K9s as well.[112]

On 31 May 2021, STX Engine was selected as the winner after competing against Doosan Infracore.[113] STX Engine will receive a technology transfer and assistance from the British Ricardo plc in designing the new engine.[114]

In February 2022, Hanwha Defense signed a MOU with the Australian company Bisalloy Steel in supplying armor plate for the AS9, AS10, and AS21 Redback to reduce manufacturing cost and to strengthen their partnership. Hanwha Defense plans to use armor steel from Bisalloy Steel for foreign exports, including an Egyptian variant while POSCO continues supplying for domestic production.[115][116]

The first K9 operators conference was held at Changwon in April 2022. Militaries from Australia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, and South Korea shared knowhow and feedback, while the defense industries looked for joint R&D for future upgrades and new weapon systems.[117][118][119]

In September 2022, a K9A1 SPH and a K10 ARV demonstrated compatibility and live-fire with a variety of American munitions at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The howitzer managed to fire 3 rounds in 16 seconds and 6 rounds in 43.3 seconds using the M795 projectiles. K9A1 became the first foreign platform to fire XM1113 RAP munition and achieved 53 km in shooting distance at an elevation of 900 mils.[120][121][122]

On 21 September at the DX Korea 2022, STX Engine presented a newly designed 1,000 hp diesel engine for the K9.[123]

In February 2023, South Korean military accepted new high performance 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO ammunitions that increase performance by three times compared to previous models. The new technology can be applied on any projectiles, allowing K9 Thunder to possibly increase the range by three times. The technology is patented in the United States, Russia, European Union, and other countries.[124]

On 6 to 9 February, the second users meeting was held in Norway with same participants from the first plus Poland while Canada also joined as an observer.[125]

As of June 2023, the localization rate is at 80%. Several minor upgrades were added such as structural changes of chassis to shorten the time for removal of the power pack from hours to ten minutes.[126]

In August 2023, Poongsan Corporation completed the new extended range ammunition program, further increasing the firing range from initial 54 km to 60 km. The new ammunition will enter service in 2024.[127][128]

In November 2023, Hanwha Aerospace signed a 160 billion KRW export deal with BAE Systems in supplying modular charge system (MCS) for the NATO members.[129]

On 8 December 2023, Norway, Finland, and South Korea signed an agreement for two Nordic countries to share spare parts without submitting signed application to South Korea. The agreement allows Norway and Finland simply send a report after the parts sharing has occurred, which shortens time consumed for bureaucratic process thus improves logistics support.[130]

On the same day, media reported that the STX Engine completed durability test of the new engine, SMV 1000 (tentative), and it will be installed to the howitzer for driving test. Installation of SMV 1000 does not require any structural changes of the K9, K10, and AS21 Redback, and has 5% better fuel efficiency compared to the MT881. The SMV 1000 will be installed to K9A1EGY and K10EGY for Egypt, and to be used instead of German engine to avoid restrictions for exporting.[131] Egypt has purchased 355 engines at 134.8 billion KRW for its K9 program.[132][133]

Exports

Turkey

Turkish variant T-155 Fırtına

In May 1999, the Ministry of National Defense of South Korea ordered its military attaché in Turkey to arrange a presentation for K9 Thunder. On 29 April, Samsung dispatched its sales team, and had a meeting with high-ranking Turkish officials including assistant secretary of defense and director of technology. Despite showing interest in K9 Thunder, there was no business deals made as Turkey was planning to produce German Panzerhaubitze 2000 at that time. Another meeting was held on 4 October between Atilla Ateş, commander of the Turkish Land Forces, and military attaché Colonel Go regarding K9 production in Turkey and solution for import restriction on MTU Friedrichshafen engines by German government. As Turkey's plan to build PzH2000 eventually became halted by Germany, South Korea and Turkey signed MOU to strengthen military and defense cooperation on 18 November.[134][135][136]

On 12 December, Turkey sent a team of military general and engineers to Korea to inspect K9 Thunder. Satisfied with the performance, Turkey cancelled its plan to find replacement from Israel, and decided to manufacture K9 Thunder. On 19 February 2000, a technology evaluation team consisting members of the Agency of Defense Development and Samsung was sent to Turkey, and inspected various Turkish companies and facilities including Turkish 1010th Army Factory, MKEK, and Aselsan to optimize manufacturing process of K9 in Turkey. On 4 May 2000, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea and Turkish Land Forces Command signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to supply 350 K9 systems till 2011.[29][134][137][138]

On the same day the MOU was signed, Germany informed South Korea that Germany would not allow sales of license produced MTU engines to Turkey due to its political reasons, thus possibly cancelling the project. To solve the issue, Korea prepared for British Perkins Engines, which had already been examined for K9 during the early designing phase, and negotiated with Germany in the meantime. On 29 May 2000 during ministerial talks, South Korea asked Germany to permit sales of MTU engines, or it may experience hardship in purchasing German equipment for its future needs.[134][138]

On 20 June, Turkey transferred $3.35 million to build a prototype, and engineers were sent to Samsung Techwin for technical training. Between July and August, parts for the prototype were built and sent to Turkey, and the engineers returned and assembled the vehicle with assistance from Korean counterparts.[138] On 15 December, Germany approved Korea in exporting maximum of 400 engines to Turkey after reaching an agreement with license producing German Type 214 submarine as a winner of the KSS-II program for the Republic of Korea Navy.[139] The prototype was finally equipped with engine, ending the assembly on 30 December 2000, and earned the nickname Fırtına (Storm).[134][140]

Winter test was held in January and February 2001 at Sarıkamış, and Fırtına was able to operate in snowy mountain terrain without issue. It also went thru firing test in 10 to 23 of March at Karapinar, and summer test at Diyarbakır between April and May. On 12 May, Fırtına took a major part of firepower demonstration, showing its capabilities live on-air as it was needed for military to earn support from people and politicians to manufacture Fırtına amid economic crisis.[134][140]

A formal contract was signed by Samsung Techwin (formerly Samsung Aerospace Industries) and the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Seoul on 20 July 2001. South Korean government will transfer the technologies belong to the Agency for Defense Development that are used for Turkish variant[141] for free in exchange for Turkey to purchase 350 vehicles—280 for Turkish Land Forces and 70 for its future customer—by 2011, which the total is expected to be $1 billion. The first batch of 24 T-155 consists $65 million worth of Korean subsystems.[134][137][142][143][140] The Turkish model was named T-155 Fırtına.

Hanwha Defense has generated more than $600 million from Turkey since then,[1] much lower than expected, as Turkey produced fewer units than planned as well as its effort to increase localization gradually by indigenous research and from technology transfer. A total of 281 vehicles were produced by the 1st Main Maintenance Factory Directorate of the Turkish Land Forces between 2004 and 2014, and deliveries were completed in 2015.[144]

Poland

Krab

Polish AHS Krab using K9 chassis at Arms and Security 2017 exhibition
Polish K9 Thunder maneuvers on the firing range for a live fire demonstration in Bemowo Piskie, Poland on March 31, 2023

In 1999, the same year Poland joined NATO, it launched a military program named Regina Project to replace its Soviet-era SPGs with the NATO standard 155 mm artillery system. The British BAE Systems was chosen by Poland for technical cooperation to build a new design. Later, the plan was changed to use modified AS-90 turret and combine with UPG-NG chassis from domestic company Bumar to shorten the development schedule.[145]

However, the UPG-NG chassis experienced series of issues during trial. The chassis was unable to support its 20 t turret by failing the shock absorption from 155 mm 52 caliber weapon system, often breaking and cracking the parts. In addition, the factory that has been producing S-12U engine for the vehicle was closed down, causing major discrepancy in logistics even before the mass production stage. In 2008, after four years since the prototype was revealed, Polish Ministry of Defense warned Bumar to fix the issue by 2014, otherwise it will look for foreign partner instead. Bumar failed to meet the ROC (required operational capability), thus K9 Thunder platform was chosen for the weapon project.[145]

In December 2014, Samsung Techwin signed a cooperation agreement with Huta Stalowa Wola to supply modified K9 Thunder chassis for AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer. The changes to the chassis (referred to as PK9) include a fire suppression system in the crew compartment, air filtration system, air conditioning and the APU.[146] The deal is worth $310 million for 120 chassis, which includes related technology transfer and the power pack. From 2015 to 2022, 24 units will be manufactured in South Korea, and 96 will be license produced in Poland.[147] First chassis rolled out on 26 June 2015, and all 24 vehicles produced in Korea left for Poland as of October 2016.[148] HSW will begin producing PK9 chassis starting in 2017.[149]

Late in May 2022, the Polish government donated 18 AHS Krab howitzers to Ukraine to assist the Ukrainian military to defend against Russia during the invasion of Ukraine.[150] On 29 May, Polish minister of defense visited South Korea for high level talks regarding the purchase of various Korean weapons including additional K9 chassis to increase AHS Krab production.[151] On June 7, Poland and Ukraine signed a contract for the purchase of an additional 54 units plus support vehicles, in a deal worth US$700 million. The agreement was the largest defense contract that Polish defense industry had made.[152][153]

K9

On 27 July 2022, Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Hanwha Defense signed a framework agreement to supply 672 K9A1 and K9PL. Hanwha Defense hoped to expand the deal plus adding K10 ARV and K11 FDCV support vehicles.[154][155][156][157] Poland will also produce AHS Krab in parallel; however, due to the low production capability, the deliveries of the existing order will be completed by 2026.[158] On 26 August 2022, an executive contract of $2.4 billion was signed to acquire 212 K9A1 manufactured by Hanwha Defense as a first batch order. Poland loaned 70% of the total purchase cost, which includes K2 Black Panther, K9 Thunder, and FA-50, from the South Korean banks.[159] The deal does not include accompanying vehicles; however, it consists of crew training, including simulators, logistics packages, and a large amount of ammunition. To match the delivery time, the first 48 howitzers–12 upgraded vehicles and 36 to be refurbished to K9A1–will be transferred from the Republic of Korea Army inventory. The ROKA will be compensated with newly produced vehicles by the end of 2023.[160][161] All K9A1 howitzers will be equipped with Polish C2 network system and Topaz Automated Fire Control System, which is intended for operating with Polish command vehicles.[162] These howitzers are sometimes referred to unofficially as K9GF (gap filler). Under the contract, Hanwha is responsible for delivery of all 212 vehicles by 30 September 2026.[163] Poland plans to build K9PL locally afterward via technology transfer for the second batch.[164] On 7 September, Hanwha Defense and WB Electronics signed a $139.5 million deal for installation of Polish communication systems on the first batch order.[165]

The first batch of 24 K9A1 was rolled out on 19 October 2022.[166] The delivery ceremony was held in Poland on 6 December.[167] The first newly built K9A1 began its construction in July 2023.[168]

On 1 December 2023, Poland and Hanwha Aerospace signed a $2.6 billion agreement, which involved loans from Korean banks per media reports, for 6 K9A1 and 146 K9PL including integrated logistics support for the howitzers and 155 mm ammunitions. However, the loaning was denied by Polish prime minister.[169] The deal includes technology transfers that allows Poland to manufacture 155 mm ammunitions and K9 parts locally. Poland is expecting to receive six K9A1 by 2025 and 146 K9PL between 2026 and 2027.[170][171] On the same day, a framework agreement for auxiliary vehicles was signed between the Polish MoD and PGZ to supply auxiliary vehicles for Krab and K9 howitzers, which means that Polish K9A1 and K9PL will be used with domestically designed auxiliary vehicles instead of the K10 and K11.[172]

The K9PL was initially described as "using solutions from the K9A2",[173] however the final configuration from the December executive contract is closer to the Krab than the K9A2 - the main changes to the base K9A1 include the Obra-3 laser warning system, fire suppression system in the crew compartment, air filtration system, air conditioning and the APU in the chassis instead of in the turret.[174]

Finland

K9 in Finnish Defence Forces' Flag Day parade

On 1 June 2016 at KDEC (Korea Defense Equipment & Component) industry fair, two nations signed a MOU for defense cooperation including export of used K9.[175] In July 2016, the Finnish Ministry of Defence announced that an undisclosed number of used K9s have been selected to be acquired from the Republic of Korea.[176] The acquisition is claimed to be biggest of the decade for the Land Forces, whose both mobile and towed artillery face mass outdating in the 2020s.[177] In September 2016, K9 was field tested in Finland, and Seppo Toivonen, the commander of the Finnish Army, visited South Korea to inspect operating units during 2016 DX Korea.[178] On 25 November 2016, two countries signed MOU to supply 48 used K9 for $200 million and match equal amount of free technology transfer related to vehicle maintenance.[179]

On 17 February 2017, the Ministry of Defense announced that Finland will acquire 48 used K9s over a period of seven years starting in 2018, with conscript training on the equipment commencing in 2019.[180] On 2 March 2017, final contract of value of €145 million ($160 million) was signed by two governments in Seoul, South Korea.[181]

On 21 October 2021, Finnish Ministry of Defense authorized exercising option to purchase 10 additional units including spare parts and supplies—5 in 2021 and another 5 in 2022—for €30 million, increasing the fleet size to 58 vehicles.[182][183][184]

On 18 November 2022 Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen authorized purchase of another 38 vehicles for €134 million.[185]

The official Finnish designation of the howitzer is 155 PSH K9 FIN, colloquially called Moukari (meaning Sledgehammer). Vehicles receive domestic modification via Millog.[186][187][188]

India

Indian K9 SPH at Ladakh during 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes

On 25 March 2012, South Korean president Lee Myung-bak and the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh signed MOU to strengthen the economy and military exchanges.[189] On 29 March 2012 at DEFEXPO, Samsung Techwin and Larsen & Toubro announced their partnership to produce the K9 Thunder in India. As per the agreement, Samsung Techwin will transfer key technologies, and the vehicle will be manufactured under license in India using 50 per cent of the domestic content such as FCS and communication system.[190]

Two units of K9 were sent to Thar Desert, Rajasthan for firing and mobility test, and competed against Russian 2S19. Operated by Indian military personnel, the K9 fired 587 Indian ammunitions including Nub round and drove a total distance of 1,000 km. Maintenance test was conducted at Pune, EMI (electromagnetic interference) test at Chennai, and technical environment test was held in Bengaluru until March 2014. K9 Thunder achieved all ROC set by Indian military while the Russian counterpart failed to do so.[1][76] Hanwha Techwin (previously Samsung Techwin) later told in an interview that the Russian engine performance dropped when the air density is low and in high temperature, the placement of the engine also resulted in the center of the mass located at the rear, making the vehicle difficult to climb high angles. On the other hand, K9 benefitted from automatic control system of the engine, providing the optimum performance based on given condition automatically—this was one of the decisive reason why India selected K9 over 2S19.[191]

In September 2015, the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) selected Hanwha Techwin and Larsen & Toubro as preferred bidder to supply 100 K9 Vajra-T to the Indian Army after K9 outperformed 2S19 Msta-S and passed two-year trial.[192] On 6 July 2016, India agreed in purchasing 100 K9 Vajra-T for $750 million.[193] On 29 March 2017, The Government of India approved budget of $646 million for purchasing 100 K9 Vajra-T.[194] A formal contract of $310 million was signed between Hanwha Techwin and Larsen & Toubro in New Delhi on 21 April. Hanwha Techwin will supply first 10 K9 Vajra-T, and 90 will be license produced in India by Larsen & Toubro.[195]

K9 Vajra-T consist 14 major Indian manufactured systems, 50% of component by value, which include Nub ammunition capable FCS and its storage, communication system, and environment control and NBC protection system. Additional systems were installed such as GPS (Gunner's Primary Sight) for direct firing capability, and South African APU, which was proven for desert operation—Korean APU was under development phase during Indian trial. The vehicle's overall design was modified to suitable for operation in desert and high temperature condition, including the change of firing rate to 3 rounds in 30 seconds.[76][191][196][197][198]

In response to India's acquisition of the K9 Thunder, Pakistan ordered the Chinese SH-15 in 2019.[199]

In February 2020, media reported that IIT Madras along with IIT Kanpur, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI) are working on redesigning an existing 155 mm shell using ramjet propulsion that can cover 60 km+ range. It will be compatible with K9 Vajra-T. The shell will use precision guidance kit for trajectory correction. IIT Madras is ensuring that Munitions India can manufacture the shells.[200]

The 100th vehicle was delivered to the Indian Army on 18 February 2021, completing the contract ahead the schedule.[201]

In May 2021, it was reported that India's Defence Research and Development Organisation is working with Larsen & Toubro on a light tank using the K9 chassis with 105mm or 120mm gun system to counter China's Type 15 tank. The light tank variant was opted out as the estimated vehicle weight exceeded 30 t, limiting the places to operate.[202][203]

The Indian Army planned ordering an additional 40 K-9 Vajra-T from Larsen & Toubro as of 2021 after completion of high altitude trials at Ladakh under cold climatic conditions.[204] India is also looking to export the K9 Vajra-T variant to third countries in collaboration with South Korea and industry partners.[205] After satisfactory performance at high altitude terrain, the MoD is getting ready to place repeat order of 200 K9 Vajra-T worth 9,600 crore.[206] The new batch will equip enhanced engine suited for high altitude operation, and is expected to complete delivery by 2028.[207]

The proposal for first 100 units was cleared on 27 September 2022.[208] In February 2023, Hanwha received an order for 100 vehicles.[209] During the meeting of high-ranking official of South Korea and India in August 2023, the first deputy chief of the National Security Office of South Korea told that India purchased 300 K9 howitzers.[210][211]

Norway

In May 2015, Samsung Techwin joined the Norwegian artillery upgrade program, competing against the KMW Panzerhaubitze 2000, the Nexter CAESAR 6x6, and the RUAG M109 KAWEST to replace Norway's M109Gs with 24 new systems.[212] A single K9 was sent to Norway to join the competition. Operated by a sales team, the vehicle went through tests between November 2015 and January 2016.[213] During the January winter test, the K9 was the only vehicle that managed to drive through meter-thick snow field and fire its weapon without any issue. Competing vehicles experienced engine troubles or broken parts.[1][214]

The K9's engine was able to maintain heat overnight by simply covering the area with tarpaulin, a simple trick learned from operating experience, allowing the engine to ignite without failure the next day at an extremely cold temperature. The hydropneumatic suspension became a huge advantage for mobility, as its mechanism melted snow on mobility parts much quicker. The test result also impacted Finland and Estonia, who were invited to observe performances for their artillery replacement, to acquire the K9.[1][214]

In August 2016, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency published their intention to continue negotiations with Hanwha Techwin and RUAG, while Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter Systems had been put "on hold". Unnamed sources in the Norwegian Army had previously stated that the K9 was a leading candidate in the competition.[215]

In December 2017, a contract of $230 million was signed between Hanwha Land Systems and the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, for supplying 24 K9 Thunder and 6 K10 ARV by 2020. The K9 outperformed competitors in various weather and terrain conditions according to Norwegian military officials during trials.[216]

The Norwegian variant was named K9 VIDAR (Versatile InDirect ARtillery system), and is based on the K9A1 configuration. It differs from the K9A1 by changing the BTCS to a Norwegian ODIN fire support system and radio communication systems for NATO operation. It mounts the gunner's sight for direct firing, and installed spall liner for additional protection.[76][217][218] Norwegian company Kongsberg participated in upgrading the K9 for Norway, Finland, and Estonia. The company will partner with Hanwha Defense again for Australia's AS9 program.[219]

In November 2022, Norway used an option signed in 2017, to purchase 4 K9s and 8 K10s, increasing its total vehicles to 28 K9s and 14 K10s (2:1 ratio).[220] The delivery is expected to be completed in 2 years.[221]

Estonia

Estonia was invited by Finland in teaming up for the procurement of the K9, to reduce the purchase cost for both nations. Benefitted by group buying, the test data of the K9 was provided and shared to Estonia by Finland, with approval from South Korea.[222] In February 2017, Estonian military officials visited South Korea for a price negotiation.[223]

In June 2018, Rauno Sirk, the director of the Estonian military procurement agency, announced that Estonia will buy K9 Thunder howitzers. Hanwha Land Systems will supply 12 used K9s, including maintenance parts and training for €46 million, a similar contract to that of Finland.[224][225] In October 2019, the Estonian Ministry of Defense announced that it will exercise the option to purchase 6 additional K9s from the previous contract, with an estimated value of €20 million.[226]

In August 2021, the Estonian Centre for Defense Investment (RKIK) signed €4.6 million contract with Hanwha Defense and Go Craft in modernizing 24 K9EST Kõu, hinting at purchasing 6 more for its inventory. The upgrade involves communication systems, a FCS, painting, fire suppression system, and electronics.[227][228]

In September 2022, it was reported that Estonia has purchased 24 vehicles in total.[229][230] In October, the Estonian defense minister stated that Estonia will procure 12 additional K9s, bringing the total number up to 36 units.[231] In November 2022, Go Craft opened Estonia's first private military workshop, and will start upgrading K9s.[232] In January 2023, Estonia ordered 12 vehicles for €36 million, which will be delivered before 2026.[233] The first Estonian edition by Go Craft was rolled out in February 2023.[234]

Australia

In June 2005 in Australia, the defense ministers of the two nations held a meeting and discussed trading opportunities involving K9 Thunder and Australian 5 inch naval gun ammunition.[235] In August 2009, it was reported that the consortium of Samsung Techwin and Raytheon Australia had the upper hand for Australia's Land 17 artillery replacement program by becoming a sole bidder, as KMW, the manufacturer of Panzerhaubitze 2000, did not respond in providing detailed offering proposal that Australia requested.[236]

The K9 was sent to Australia, and was evaluated by the Australian military starting in April 2010. The test included firing M982 Excalibur, a requirement which the K9 satisfied. The Australian variant AS9 was expected to feature the NATO standard FCS, the BMS-F (Battlefield Management System – Fires), the RWS (Remote Weapon System), and anti-tank mine protection. The hydropneumatic suspension was enhanced to support its increased weight.[76]

In June 2010, the K9 became the preferred bidder for the LAND 17 program. The project budget was redirected for restoration due to the floods in Queensland in 2011, which led to the cancelation of the project in May 2012.[1][237][238] In May 2019, in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal Election, the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, announced that 30 K9 howitzers and associated support equipment, including ten K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, would be acquired for the ADF. No time frame was given for the purchase.[239]

In September 2020, the Minister for Defense, Linda Reynolds, announced a request for tender to locally build 30 K9s under the Land 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobility Fires requirement. The sole-source request for tender will be released to the preferred supplier, Hanwha Defense Australia, to build and maintain 30 K9s and 15 K10s, as well as their supporting systems. These will be built at Hanwha Defense Australia's Geelong facility. Australian variant AS9 Huntsman is based on Norwegian K9 VIDAR. It will retain the options offered in 2010 with up-to-date modifications.[240]

In December 2021, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) of Australia and Hanwha Defense Australia signed a formal contract of producing 30 AS9s and 15 AS10 AARVs under license at Hanwha Defense Australia facility in Geelong, Victoria; the facility, which is included in the contract, will begin its construction in Q2 2022. The CASG and the DAPA also signed an MOU for defense cooperation between the two countries. The estimated value of the deal is $788 million, and manufacturing is expected to start in Q4 2024.[241][242][243]

In February 2022, Hanwha Defense Australia made a selection of site of 150,000 m2, which includes 32,000 m2 manufacturing facility, 1.5 km long track, and various test and R&D sites, for its first overseas factory named H-ACE (Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence) at Geelong, which will create 300 jobs for local specialists. Construction began on 8 April, and is expected to take 2 years to complete.[117][118][244]

In March 2022, Hanwha Defense signed a $67 million deal with Kongsberg for the installation of C4 for Australian vehicles. The Norwegian partner is expected to supply Integrated Combat Solution (ICS) as well as ODIN fire support systems via Kongsberg Australia.[245] On 19 July, Hanwha Systems signed a contract with Hanwha Defense Australia to supply HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) and Situational Awareness System (SAS) for AS9s and AS10s at a cost of 20.8 billion KRW.[246]

In October 2022, Hanwha signed a $5 million deal with Safran to supply 32 MINEO DFSS for direct firing capability.[247] In January 2023, Hanwha signed a $3.5 million contract with a German company AirSense Analytics to supply CBRN system for the vehicles.[248]

In April 2023, Australia withdrew from Land 8116 Phase 2, a repeating order equal to Phase 1 in volume, as the new government decided to focus on M142 HIMARS, air, and naval assets.[249]

In May 2023, Israeli firm Plasan completed the protection test for the program.[250]

Production of AS9 and AS10 began in June 2023. Two AS9s and one AS10 will be built and supplied by South Korea, and the remaining will be built in Australia.[251][252] In July, Australian army conducted tests on ammunition compatibility at the Agency for Defense Development test center in South Korea.[253] In August, another Israeli company Epsilor was selected to supply NATO standard 6T Li-Ion battery for the howitzer.[254][255]

Egypt

In 2010, the K9 was evaluated by Egyptian military to replace its aging artillery fleet. The deal was delayed as Egyptian government requested a reduction on technology transfer fees, of which the Korean government had the ownership, not the company. The negotiation stopped as regional instability due to the Arab Spring caused the Egyptian government to postpone the project indefinitely.[1]

In April 2017, it was reported that Hanwha Techwin was in negotiations with Egypt to export its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer.[256] A K9 howitzer was sent to Egypt in July, and performed test-firing at a range located west of Cairo in August, along with other competitors including French CAESAR, Russian 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, and Chinese PLZ-45.[257][258][259] During the test, the K9 hit a target ship approaching to the shore, successfully performing an anti-access/area denial simulation against enemy ships for the Egyptian Navy.[260][59]

In October 2021, the two nations discussed the sale of the K9 Thunder. The estimated value of the deal is $2 billion, including training of technicians.[261] In the same month, the Egyptian minister of military production visited Hanwha Defense and Hyundai WIA facility to see the manufacturing process of the K9 Thunder and K2 Black Panther respectively.[262] Two parties met again at the EDEX 2021, including the President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for discussion of the export of the howitzer.[263] Egypt is looking to produce the howitzer under license.[264]

In February 2022, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that Hanwha Defense signed a $1.6 billion K9 Thunder export contract at Egypt's Artillery House, attended by Egypt's Ministry of National Defense and key officials from both countries. Egypt also signed a loan contract with South Korea. The deal includes the production of 200 K9A1EGY and 100 K10EGY in Egypt, including technology transfer, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).[265][266][267] An unknown quantity of early productions will be produced in South Korea and delivered to the Egyptian Army and the Egyptian Navy.[268][133][269] On 25 February, two more contracts involving parts purchase and assembly were signed at the Military Factory 200, a state-owned Egyptian arms manufacturer.[270]

The production of the first K9A1EGY is expected in Q4 2022, with armor steel provided from Bisalloy Steel. The first batch will be delivered to Egypt until 2024, while the rest will be produced in Egypt with a localization rate of 50%. Egypt is expecting to increase localization to 67% in five years.[271][272] On 22 October 2022, Hanwha Defense signed a contract with Arab International Optronics in transferring automatic fire control system (AFCS) and other substantial technologies.[273] In May 2023, despite the turmoil on Australian Land 8116 Phase 2, Hanwha Aerospace placed a significant order with Bisalloy Steel for Egyptian program.[274] At a military parade on October 25, 2023, the Egyptian Army unveiled the K9A1EGY in service at the 4th Armored Division.[275]

Potential Exports

United Kingdom

In September 2021, Hanwha Defense launched Team Thunder joined by Leonardo UK (navigation, FCS, electronics), Pearson Engineering (manufacturing), Horstman (suspension), and Soucy Defense (track) to participate in the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program, starting in late 2023 to replace Britain's AS90 with a K9A2 variant.[276] The team expanded as Lockheed Martin UK (turret & autoloader) joined Team Thunder in March 2022.[277] The K9A2 was first revealed in the United Kingdom during Defense Vehicle Dynamics 2022 at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in September 2022.[278][279][64]

In March 2023, the United Kingdom purchased 14 Archers from Swedish inventory to fill the gap after transferring 32 AS90s to Ukraine. Archer is one of the competitors of the MFP.[280]

British Ministry of Defense requested the Team Thunder to conduct tests on CRT with K9A2 technology demonstrator.[281]

Romania

On 23 September 2022, Romanian Minister of National Defense Vasile Dincu visited South Korea and signed a letter of intent to strengthen defense cooperation. On 26, Romanian media reported that the military is interested in purchasing K9 Thunder and K2 Black Panther.[282] Besides the K9 howitzers, Romania is also interested in K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers and K21 infantry fighting vehicles. On 6 February 2023, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between Hanwha Aerospace and Romarm for the local production of powders, explosives and other ground military systems.[283]

In July, it was reported that Romania is planning to acquire 54 (3 systems of 18) K9 Thunders.[284] Romania also discussed about the possibility of license producing some parts locally with Hanwha Aerospace.[285] A second stage of the program includes the acquisition of a further two systems consisting of 18 howitzers each.[286]

Vietnam

Vietnam has shown a high interest in defense industry cooperation with Hanwha as it embarks on military modernization. On March 30, 2023, the Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Defence Phan Văn Giang had a surprise meeting with Hanwha Aerospace executives and inspected the K9A1 self-propelled howitzers deployed in the South Korean Army. In a meeting with Prime Minister of South Korea Han Duck-soo on March 28, Vietnamese Defense Minister showed great interest in acquiring the K9A1 self-propelled howitzer.[287]

Failed bids

Denmark

The K9 Thunder participated in a bid against Nexter Systems' CAESAR 8x8 and Soltam Systems ATMOS 2000.[288] In March 2017, the Danish military announced it had selected the competing CAESAR 8x8 instead.

In January 2023, Denmark requested Hanwha Aerospace, Nexter Systems, and Lockheed Martin to submit a proposal to fill up the gap created by the donation of entire fleet of CAESAR 8x8 to Ukraine, which Lockheed Martin refused by offering a high cost. However, Denmark leveraged the situation to make ongoing negotiations in favor of Elbit Systems. On 25 January, Denmark made an agreement with Elbit Systems to purchase ATMOS 2000 and PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System), and signed the contract in March without notifying anything to Hanwha and Nexter despite Denmark being the requester.[289][290][291]

Variants and upgrades

  • XK9: Experimental prototype. 2 built.
  • K9 Thunder: First-production variant.
    • T-155 Fırtına (Storm): Turkish variant of the K9. Manufactured by Turkish Land Forces with subsystems from South Korea. The turret is modified to store 30 ammunition instead of 24 while decreasing hull stored ammunition from 24 to 18.[292] The vehicle has APU installed, but lacks panoramic scope for manual firing mode.
    • AS9 "Aussie Thunder": Offered Australian variant of the K9 in 2010. It featured enhanced FCS, BMS-F, RWS, and anti-tank mine protection capability. The suspension is also upgraded to support increased weight.
    • AHS Krab: Polish self-propelled howitzer, uses a modified K9 chassis (referred to as PK9) and power pack. Chassis is license produced by Huta Stalowa Wola.
  • K9 PIP (Performance Improvement Plan): K9 upgrade plan noticeably adding APU, upgraded FCS. The upgrade later evolved into K9A1 with additional modifications.
    • K9 Vajra-T (Lightning): Indian variant of the K9. Manufactured by Larsen & Toubro under license with 50% Indian components. It is customized for desert and alpine operations, and is the first variant to equip Safran MINEO DFSS, a dedicated gunner's sight for direct firing capability similar to main battle tanks.[293][294]
    • K9FIN Moukari (Sledge-hammer): Finnish variant of the K9. Transferred from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces inventory with refurbishment and upgrades. Domestic modifications were performed by Millog.
    • K9EST Kõu (Thunder): Estonian variant of the K9. Transferred from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces inventory with refurbishment and upgrades. Domestic modifications were performed by Go Craft.
    • K9A1: First enhanced variant for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and is in service since 2018. All K9s operated by South Korea will be upgraded to A1 or future variant by 2030.
      • K9 VIDAR (Versatile InDirect ARtillery system): Norwegian variant of the K9A1. Equips Norwegian subsystems and has spall liner for enhanced protection. Uses Safran MINEO DFSS for direct firing.[294]
        • AS9 Huntsman: Australian variant of the K9A1. It is an upgraded VIDAR configuration with additional armor package and enhanced suspension. New hull design is similar to AS21 Redback in appearance.[295]
      • K9A1EGY: Egyptian variant of K9A1. Will be produced under license in Egypt.
      • K9PL: Polish variant of K9A1 with upgrades bringing it up to standard of the Krab.[174] Expects to be released in 2026.
  • T-155 Fırtına 2: Turkish upgrade of T-155 Fırtına.
  • K9A2: Second enhanced variant for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. 1 prototype built and shown to the public in 2022, and is in development. Also known as K9A2 Block-I to differentiate from 58 caliber variant.
    • K9A2 Block-II: 155 mm 58 caliber variant of K9A2. Proposal stage only.
  • K9A3: Fully automated and unmanned K9A2. Under development.[1]
  • K10 ARV: Automatic resupplying vehicle for K9 Thunder using the same chassis.
    • K10 VIDAR (Versatile InDirect ARtillery system): Norwegian variant of the K10.
    • K10EGY: Egyptian variant of K10 ARV.
  • K10 AARV (Armored Ammunition Resupply Vehicle): Enhanced protection variant of K10 ARV.
    • AS10: Australian variant of the K10 AARV. Similar configuration to AS9.[295]
    • AS10C2: Suggested protected Command & Control Post variant based on AS10.
  • K11 FDCV (Fire Direction Control Vehicle): Fire direction control vehicle based on K10.

Operators

A map of operators of the K9 Thunder or its variants

Current operators

 Egypt — An unknown number of K9A1EGYs are in service in the Egyptian Army.[275]

  • Egypt placed an order for 200 K9A1EGY and 100 K10EGY in February 2022.[133] Production starts in 2022 Q4 at Hanwha Defense in South Korea.[265][266]

 Estonia — 24 K9EST Kõu in service in the Estonian Land Forces. 12 more on order. At least 2 vehicles are visually confirmed with modification as of April 2023.[296] 22 more vehicles to be modified by 2024.

  • Estonia placed an order for 12 used K9 with an option for 12 additional systems in June 2018.[297][298] Estonia exercised an option for 6 additional howitzers in October 2019.[299] Deliveries began in 2020.[300] Estonia received a total of 24 vehicles as of December 2023.[301] At least 3 vehicles received domestic modification as of February 2023.[302]

 Finland — 48 K9FIN Moukari in service in the Finnish Army. 48 more on order. 24 vehicles received modification as of October 2023.[303] 24 more vehicles to be modified by 2024.

  • Finland placed an order for 48 used K9s with an option for 48 additional systems in March 2017.[304][305] 10 additional units were ordered in 2021 and 2022. 38 more ordered in 2022, using full option contract signed in 2017.

 India — 100 K9 Vajra-T in service in the Indian Army. 100 vehicles on order. Another 100 planned.

  • 10 K9 Vajra-Ts were bought from South Korea and assembled by Larsen & Toubro in India, and were handed to the Indian Army in 2018. Remaining 90 vehicles were produced by Larsen & Toubro, and all were delivered by February 2021.[306][307] India placed a second order for 100 vehicles in September 2022.[208]

 Norway — 24 K9 VIDAR and 6 K10 VIDAR in service in the Norwegian Army. 4 K9 and 8 K10 on order.

  • Norway initially placed an order for 24 K9 VIDARs and 6 K10 VIDARs, to replace the M109A3GNM, with an option for another 24 K9 and additional K10. First deliveries took place in 2019.[308][309][310] Another 4 K9 and 8 K10 were ordered in November 2022.[311]

 Poland — At least 96 (Dec 2021) K9 chassis produced for AHS Krab in service in the Polish Land Forces.[312] 66 K9A1 produced and delivered as of December 2023.[313] 152 K9A1 and 146 K9PL on order.

  • Krab: 120 K9 chassis will be produced as part of the AHS Krab program. 24 were built in Korea, and 96 are produced under license in Poland.[314][315] 48 additional Krab[316] were ordered by Poland in September 2022, and 54 were ordered by Ukraine in 2022. The chassis is supposed to be manufactured in Poland.
  • K9 Thunder: Poland ordered 212 K9A1 in August 2022.[164] Received 48 as of March 2023.[317] Another 6 K9A1 and 146 K9PL ordered in December 2023. All vehicles are expected to be delivered by 2027.[318]

 South Korea — An estimated 1,090 K9/K9A1 and 450 K10 are in service in the Republic of Korea Army and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps as of December 2023.

  • 1,136 K9 (1998–2017, Batch 1–10)[319] and 74 (estimate) K9A1 (2018–2019, Batch 11)[320] were produced. An estimated more than 450 K10s (2006–2019, Batch 1–6) were produced for the Republic of Korea Army and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.[note 2] In November 2020, all vehicles were in full operational capability.[322] All K9 are in the process of upgrading to K9A1 or a future variant by 2030. 120 K9/K9A1 were sold to foreign nations from Korean inventory as of December 2023.

 Turkey — 280 T-155 Fırtına I in service in the Turkish Land Forces.

  • The Turkish Land Forces produced 281 T-155 Fırtına I. Turkey originally sought to manufacture 350 (280 for domestic use and 70 for exports) by 2011. Germany's veto on export of Korean licensed MTU engines via Turkey prevented the export of T-155 as well.[134]
  • 140 T-155 Fırtına II (new generation) have been ordered by the Turkish Army, and deliveries started in January 2021 with 3 Fırtına II used for the trials, 6 more were delivered in January 2023.[323]

Future operators

 Australia — In production.

  • Australia will build 30 AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and 15 AS10 AARVs under license at Geelong.[324]

Summary

Operators
(December 2023)
Orders Acquisition Losses [ − ] In service Note
K9 Krab
(chassis)
K9 PIP K9A1 Fırtına II K9A2
South Korea Republic of Korea Army and Marine Corps K9
1,136
K9A1
74 (-180)
1,136 - 72 - A
(-60) (-B)
72 - 72
(+60) (-60)
A + 74 - 48 (+B) 1,064 - A
A + 26
A: K9 upgraded to K9A1.
B: K9 upgraded to K9A2.
Turkey Turkish Land Forces Fırtına I
281
Fırtına II
140
281 9
(131)
1
280
9
1 demolished in Syria.
Poland Polish Land Forces Krab
168 (-18)
K9A1
48 + 170
K9PL
146
24 + 72 - 18
(72)
48 + 18
(152)
0
(146)
78
66
0
Krab: First 24 chassis were produced in Korea.
K9A1: 48 purchased from Korean inventory. 170 new production from Korea.
K9PL: 146 K9PL to be produced in Korea.
Ukraine Ukrainian Ground Forces Krab
18 + 54
18 + 36
(18)
22 32 At least 22 destroyed and 3 damaged by Russian military.[325]
Estonia Estonian Land Forces Kõu
36
24 - 2
(+12) (-22)
2
(+22)
24 Second hand purchases from Korean inventory. Modified vehicles are included in K9A1.
Finland Finnish Army Moukari
96
48 - 24
(+48) (-24)
24
(+24)
48 Second hand purchases from Korean inventory. Modified vehicles are included in K9A1.
Australia Australian Army Huntsman
30
(30) 0 First 2 Huntsman to be produced in Korea.
AS10: 15 ordered, 1 to be produced in Korea.
Egypt Egyptian Army and Navy K9A1EGY
200
(200) 0 K10EGY: 100 ordered.
India Indian Army Vajra-T
200
10 + 90
(100)
100 First 10 Vajra-T produced in Korea.
Norway Norwegian Army VIDAR
28
24
(4)
24 K9: 20 in option
K10: 6 in service + 8 ordered
In service Total new orders
2,627
1,345 - A
(-60) (-B)
132
(+90)
46
(+14)
242 + A
(+678)
9
(+131)
(+B) 23 1,751 A: K9 upgraded to K9A1 for the ROK.
B: K9 upgraded to K9A2 for the ROK.
Total acquired: 1,774
To be manufactured: 853

Legend of the colored numbers in the table:

  Systems assembled or produced outside of South Korea
  2nd hand sold/transferred [ - ] and bought/received [ + ]
  System upgraded, one variant to the other [ - ] / [ + ]

See also

Related development

  • T-155 Fırtına – Turkish 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • AHS Krab – Polish 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • K10 ARV – South Korean tracked logistics

Vehicle of comparable role, performance, and era

  • 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV – Russian 152 mm self-propelled artillery
  • AS-90 – British 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • M109A6 – American 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • M1299 – American 155 mm self-propelled artillery
  • PLZ-05 – Chinese 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • PLZ-45 – Chinese 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • PzH 2000 – German 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • SSPH Primus – Singaporean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
  • Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer – Japanese artillery

Notes

    1. Korean standard for localization rate of military equipment is based on the money value of product.
    2. The Republic of Korea Armed Forces did not release the accurate number of vehicles in possession. However, based on the press release by STX Engine on 9 August 2017, a total of 2,100 engines were delivered or being produced, and 333 pieces among those went to Turkey and Poland.[321] The rest of 1,667 engines (or 1,767 if Indian volume is not included for count) were provided to South Korea and used for K9 Batch 1–10 (approx 1,136) and as replacements, which results an estimated 450 K10s being built during Batch 1–5 production. For comparison, South Korean military also plans to operate 1,180 K55A1s and 520–700 K56 ARVs.

    References

    1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 [46회 무삭제 확장판] 세계 자주포 시장을 석권하다, K-9 자주포 ㅣ 뉴스멘터리 전쟁과 사람 / YTN2 (in Korean). YTN. 3 July 2021. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021.
    2. Hanwha, Kongsberg team up to bolster Australia's K9 howitzers. C4ISRNET. 13 November 2020.
    3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Hanwha Defense K9 Self-propelled Howitzer". Hanwha Defense.
    4. 1 2 3 자주포 K9, 미국 자주포 사거리 연장 사업까지 가능할까...?!ㅣK-방산 팩트체크 5편 [프파S], retrieved 5 December 2022
    5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kim Minseok (6 March 2022). "8년전 우크라 때리자 꽂혔다...세계최강 K9자주포 진화 이유 [김민석 배틀그라운드]". JoongAng Ilbo. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
    6. 1 2 "한화그룹, 대우조선해양 인수로 국내 유일 육·해·공 전문 방산기업으로 '우뚝'". 뉴스투데이 (in Korean). Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    7. 1 2 [첨단국가의 초석, 방위산업] 자주포의 새 차원을 열다 – K-9 천둥(1부) (in Korean). 국방TV. 16 September 2015. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021.
    8. 국방일보. "[K9 5회] 세계적 추세 '화포 자동화 방안' 연구". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    9. 국방일보. "[K9 9회] 핵심 '무장' 개발 처음부터 난관". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    10. 국방일보. "[K9 10회] 위험 도사린 무장 사격시험". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    11. 1 2 3 국방일보. "[K9 12회] 회전시키는 포를 1mil 이내로 위치시켜라". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    12. 1 2 3 4 [첨단국가의 초석, 방위산업] 자주포의 새 차원을 열다 – K-9 천둥(3부) (in Korean). 국방TV. 15 October 2015. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021.
    13. 국방일보. "[K9 13회] 신자포 체계개발과 차량개발의 분리 의견 나오자..." 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    14. 국방일보. "[K9 16회] 기동실험차량 제작해 기동설계요소 확보". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    15. 1 2 [첨단국가의 초석, 방위산업] 자주포의 새 차원을 열다 – K-9 천둥(2부) (in Korean). 국방TV. 15 October 2015. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021.
    16. 국방일보. "[K9 14회] "우리 자주포 우리가 개발한다"며 미측 제안 거부". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    17. 국방일보. "[K9 8회] 적용가능 기술 45.5% 불과....국산화율 70%로 설정". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    18. 국방일보. "[K9 15회] 신자포 개발 형태, 업체 주도로 전환할 수 있을까". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    19. 국방일보. "[K9 17회] 신자포, 하천 장애물을 극복해야 한다지만..." 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    20. 국방일보. "[K9 18회] 모델명, 90년대 기필코 전력화 의지 담아 '9' 선택". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    21. 국방일보. "[K9 19회] 탁월한 장갑판재 용접실력...방호력 우수". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    22. Kim Daeyeong (4 October 2018). "[단독] K-9 자주포, 영국 수출길 오르나". Biz Hankook. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
    23. Shin Inho (3 May 2022). "[K9 20회] HSU 개발 '땅팔 일 없고 사격도 빠르고 정확히". kookbang. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
    24. 국방일보. "[K9 23회] 우여곡절 끝 獨 MTU 엔진 장착". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
    25. 국방일보. "[K9 24회] 新자주포 포탄 독자개발 성공". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
    26. 국방일보. "[K9 28회] 신자포 공개시범사격....급속사격은 못했지만···". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
    27. 국방일보. "[K9 29회] ROC 수정... 전투중량 2톤 증가". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
    28. 국방일보. "[K9 30회] 안타까운 사고...개발 성공으로 승화". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
    29. 1 2 "군인의 물건 군수품 돋보기 <15> K9 자주포와 K10 탄약운반차" (in Korean). Republic of Korea Armed Forces Defense Media Agency. 10 August 2015.
    30. "삼성항공, 국방부와 신형 자주포 공급계약". Yonhap. 22 December 1998.
    31. "[e-무기]34세 연구원의 희생 딛고 탄생한 'K-9 자주포'" (in Korean). E Daily. 3 January 2016.
    32. "국방부, 155mm 신형자주포 배치". Yonhap. 17 December 1999.
    33. 국방일보. "[K9 31회] K9이 제때 완성되지 못했다면?". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
    34. "포스코에도 BTS가 있다". POSCO. 23 July 2020. Archived from the original on 17 April 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
    35. "POSCO Armour Plates" (PDF). Subcom Solution. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
    36. "STX Engine".
    37. "SNT Dynamics".
    38. "Firstec". Firstec.
    39. 세계 최고 수준의 명품 자주포! [국군무기도감 시즌2:K9 자주포], retrieved 5 September 2023
    40. "Hyundai WIA". Hyundai WIA.
    41. 국방일보. "[K9 21회] 포탄 이송·장전을 자동화...탄약 취급 안전 보장". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
    42. 국방일보. "[K9 11회] 화포 자동화와 링 레이저 자이로". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    43. 국방일보. "[K9 25회] 탄도·사격통제 독자개발 ... 완전 국산화". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
    44. "K-9 자주포에 왜 386컴퓨터와 DOS를 쓸까?". Digital Daily. 22 September 2011.
    45. ""2011년 생산 K-9에 99년형 386급 도스컴퓨터"". Yonhap. 19 September 2011.
    46. "육군, 수도군단 해체계획 "없던 일로"". The Naeil News. 29 September 2011.
    47. "제71회 방위사업추진위원회 개최결과". Republic of Korea. 11 October 2013.
    48. "삼성테크윈, 방위사업청과 6126억 규모 공급 계약". eToday. 24 December 2013.
    49. "사거리연장탄 개발놓고 한화와 풍산 정면대결". Hankyung. 12 August 2014.
    50. Farymann & TZEN (2018). "Auxiliary Power Units(APU)". Farymann & TZEN. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
    51. Kim Gwanyong (17 October 2019). "방산 중소기업 '페리만&티젠', 궤도차량 수평식 디젤엔진 선보여". Edaily. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
    52. "軍, 육군·해병대 K-9 자주포 내년부터 성능개량". KBS. 18 August 2017.
    53. "자동사격통제·보조동력 장착¨더 세진 '개량 자주포' 떴다". Seoul Economics. 24 August 2018.
    54. 국방일보. "[단독] 육군7포병여단 백호대대, K9A1 자주포 사격훈련". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    55. "크루세이더급 K-9 탄생하나?". Seoul Economics. 30 June 2016.
    56. "한화디펜스, 방위산업수출 첨병...K9 자주포 5조 계약". MK News (in Korean). 20 April 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    57. "진화하는 'K9 자주포'...산악·설원·정글·사막 다 통한다". 노컷뉴스. 30 November 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
    58. 정동훈 (17 February 2022). "[단독] K-9 '괴물' 자주포로 재탄생 '자동장전' 성능개량 다음달 확정". MBC NEWS (in Korean). Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    59. 1 2 Global No. 1 SPH, K9 Thunder, retrieved 22 February 2022
    60. Choe Gyeongseon (18 July 2022). "K9자주포 국내연구개발로 성능개량". KONAS. Archived from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
    61. 국방일보. "'K9 자주포' 타격 능력 향상...4년간 2조3600억 원 투입". 국방일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    62. 뉴스1 (26 June 2023). "K-9 자주포 '송탄·장전 자동화' 본궤도... 발사 속도 1.5배+인원 40%↓". 뉴스1 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    63. K9A2 리얼웨폰205 ㅣ국방홍보원, retrieved 26 August 2023
    64. 1 2 록히드마틴이 K9 자주포를 만든다? '팀 썬더' 영국 현지 취재! 레오나르도, 피어슨 엔지니어링, 수시 디펜스! 다 보고 왔습니다! l K-방산 팩트체크 6편 [프파S], retrieved 5 December 2022
    65. "미·러, 사거리 100km 미래형 자주포 경쟁에 K-9도 진화 중". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 24 April 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    66. 김지헌 (13 November 2022). "K-9 자주포, 80km 너머 포탄 날린다...초장사정 체계 개발 착수". 연합뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    67. 하채림 (28 November 2022). "국산 소형무장헬기 양산...한국판 스파이크·엑스칼리버 개발(종합)". 연합뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 4 December 2022.
    68. "KDX-III 전투체계 5월 선정". Yonhap. 14 February 2001.
    69. 1 2 "K9자주포만 따라 다니는 차량". Asia Business Daily. 12 April 2011.
    70. "로봇형 탄약운반장갑차 K10 개발". Hankyung. 4 October 2005.
    71. "'서울 에어쇼' 국내 항공방위산업 새 지평 열었다". Newsis. 24 October 2007.
    72. "Hanwha Defense K10 ARV".
    73. "[커버스토리]방위산업 '손 큰 로비'가 주도한다". weekly.khan.co.kr (in Korean). 29 August 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
    74. "Hanwha Defense shortlisted for Australian SPH project". Hanwha Defense. 3 September 2020.
    75. "한화디펜스, 이집트와 2조원 규모 K9 수출 계약". EBN (in Korean). 3 February 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    76. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "K9 자주포 & 해외수출 Q&A". Defense Today. 7 May 2020.
    77. "'2018 계량측정의 날' 동탑산업훈장 수훈". NewsMaker. 3 December 2018.
    78. "국민행복과 신뢰의 기반은 정확한 계량측정에서". Republic of Korea. 31 October 2018.
    79. "포구속도측정기 국산화 성공". Financial News. 18 September 2007.
    80. "DST Radar". DST.
    81. "가상현실 이용한 'K-10' 교보재 개발". n.news.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 19 August 2022.
    82. "K-9 자주포 전자식 교보재 개발 완료". n.news.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 19 August 2022.
    83. "K-9 자주포에 엉뚱한 부동액 넣어 엔진 고장". Asian Economy. 8 September 2010.
    84. "K-9 자주포, 전용 부동액도 이상". Herald Corporation. 9 September 2010.
    85. "안규백 "K-9 자주포, 전용부동액에도 이상"". Yonhap. 9 September 2010.
    86. "[주력무기 K계열 무엇이 문제인가]②삼성테크윈의 K9자주포". Asian Economy. 15 September 2010.
    87. [군금해?!] 진화하는 K9자주포 (in Korean). 국방TV. 8 November 2020.
    88. 1 2 3 "ROKMC memoir". Republic of Korea Marine Corps. 14 December 2010.
    89. 1 2 "연평도 K-9 자주포 B/L탄 20발 항상 적재". Republic of Korea. 28 November 2010.
    90. "北 해안포 NLL이남지역에 탄착(종합)". Asian Economics. 10 August 2010.
    91. ""남북, 서해5도서 대결땐 남한이 패한다"". New Daily. 15 August 2010.
    92. 국내 최초로 시도된 K-9자주포 직접조준사격 동영상! (in Korean). 국방TV. 10 June 2011. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021.
    93. "기계화부대 막강화력 총출동...위용 과시". Aju Business Daily. 18 May 2011.
    94. "방사청 "핵심무기 부품 국산화 실현한다"". Money Today. 9 February 2012.
    95. "방사청, 핵심부품 국산화 개발에 박차". News 1. 18 May 2021.
    96. "탄약서 자주포.레이더까지...한화 '글로벌 톱10 방산기업' 정조준". Seoul Economics. 30 March 2016.
    97. "절충교역 통해 중소기업 방산수출 530만불 달성". Republic of Korea. 10 October 2013.
    98. "'조종수 사망' K-9 자주포 성능개선키로". DongA. 3 March 2015.
    99. "하니웰, 넵코어스와 'TALIN관성항법장치' 관련 협력 계약 체결". Aving Global Network. 2 September 2015.
    100. "'K-9사고' 6대 후속조치 발표...난연전투복 보급(종합)". News1 Korea. 26 December 2017.
    101. "수성정밀기계, K9 자주포 자동청소기 국방부 공급". MK News. 13 May 2018.
    102. Automatic Bore Cleaner – Soosung Defense Industries, Ltd. SooSung Defense Industries LTD. 12 November 2014. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021.
    103. 조선비즈 (18 March 2021). "한화디펜스 실적 이끈 K9 자주포...하반기 수출 총력전". 조선비즈 (in Korean). Retrieved 31 August 2021.
    104. "(주)한화, 성과 미달로 방위청으로부터 계약 해지 통보 받아". 디스커버리뉴스(DISCOVERYNEWS) (in Korean). 11 July 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
    105. "'K9 자주포' 엔진 국산화 추진...내년부터 750억원 투입". KBS 뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 31 August 2021.
    106. "군, K9 자주포 실전 배치 20년만에 마무리...전력화 종결". 매일방송 (in Korean). 13 November 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
    107. "[단독] '최대 54km 타격' K9 자주포 155mm 사거리 연장탄 개발 완료". 비즈한국 (in Korean). 26 November 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
    108. 국방일보. "탄탄한 기술력이 일군 탄약 국산화 이제 세계가 배운다". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
    109. 홍석희 (20 February 2023). "[단독] 무기체계 47%는 자료만 보고 수입했다..."年 수천억대 추가 비용"". 헤럴드경제 (in Korean). Retrieved 1 September 2023.
    110. "장사정 활공포탄 / 관측탄 / 상부공격 지능탄". 디펜스투데이 (in Korean). 9 April 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
    111. "India has deployed K9 Vajra 155mm self-propelled howitzers in Ladakh region | Defense News May 2021 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2021 | Archive News year". Armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
    112. "한화디펜스, 호주 엔지니어링 회사와 계약..."차량화재 안전성 강화"". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 7 May 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    113. 황봉규 (31 May 2021). "STX엔진, K9 자주포 엔진 국산화 사업자 선정". 연합뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    114. "[단독] 한화디펜스, K9자주포 국산 엔진 장착 추진". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 27 November 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
    115. tf.co.kr (15 February 2022). "한화디펜스,이집트 수출·K-9자주포에 호주산 강재 쓴다". 더팩트 (in Korean). Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    116. "K9 자주포 수출 물량, 국산 방탄강 후판 아닌 호주산 철강 적용키로". 철강금속신문 (in Korean). 16 February 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    117. 1 2 "한화디펜스, 호주 아발론공항에 대규모 자주포 생산시설 부지로 확정...3만2000 m2 규모". 워크투데이 (in Korean). 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
    118. 1 2 "한화디펜스, 호주에 대규모 자주포 생산시설 부지 확정". 뉴스락 (in Korean). 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
    119. 조선비즈 (2 May 2022). "한화디펜스, 'K9 도입' 4개국 초청... 각국 운용 노하우 공유". 조선비즈 (in Korean). Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    120. Valpolini, Paolo (7 October 2022). "Hanwha's K9 artillery solutions proven compatible with US munitions". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    121. "K9A1 now fires US munitions - three rounds in 16 sec and 50km range". 16 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    122. "K9 and K10 proven compatibility with US munitions at YPG live-fire demo". Hanwha Aerospace. 10 November 2022.
    123. "[DX KOREA 2022] STX엔진, K9 자주포 1000마력 개발 엔진 등 소개". FNTIMES (in Korean). 21 September 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
    124. [단독] 이번엔 K-총탄‥탱크 뚫는 총알 도입하나? (2023.06.06/뉴스데스크/MBC), retrieved 27 August 2023
    125. 구자윤 (13 February 2023). "캐나다, 한화에어로 K9 자주포에 관심... 수출 이어지나". 파이낸셜뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    126. 기자, 이수기 (20 June 2023). "폴란드·인도 사로잡은 K9 자주포..."다음 목표는 무인화"". 중앙일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    127. "풍산, K방산 기술력 강화...155mm 사거리 연장탄 개발". 철강금속신문 (in Korean). 29 August 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
    128. 국방일보. "K9 계열 자주포 최대 사거리 40km → 60km". 국방일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 1 September 2023.
    129. "한화, NATO 호환 155mm 장약 첫 수출... "英과 전방위 방산협력"". www.hanwhaaerospace.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 5 December 2023.
    130. Forsvarsdepartementet (8 December 2023). "Norway, Finland and South Korea have all signed an agreement to enhance Norwegian defence capabilities". Regjeringen.no. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
    131. "[단독] STX엔진 'K9 자주포' 디젤엔진 국산화 내구도 시험 완료 "중동 추가수출 파란불"". 비즈한국 (in Korean). 8 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
    132. "'K9 자주포 엔진 부품 국산화' '장애인 운동보조 슈트형 로봇' 등 첨단 기술 총망라". 동아일보 (in Korean). 28 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
    133. 1 2 3 "[단독] STX엔진 'K9 자주포' 디젤엔진 국산화 내구도 시험 완료 "중동 추가수출 파란불"". 비즈한국 (in Korean). 8 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
    134. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "[첨단무기 개발비화]세계 최강의 K-9 자주포(VIII) 신인호 국방일보 기자" (in Korean). Republic of Korea Marine Corps. 28 June 2010.
    135. "한.터키 국방장관 방산협력 협의". Yonhap. 18 November 1999.
    136. 국방일보. "[K9 32회] K9자주포, 터키와 첫 수출 성사". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
    137. 1 2 "국산 K9자주포 첫 수출...터키에 1조3000억 규모" (in Korean). The Dong-A Ilbo. 20 July 2001.
    138. 1 2 3 국방일보. "[K9 33회] 터키型 자주포 공동 개발". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
    139. "한국산 자주포 터키 수출 독일서 논란". Yonhap. 24 November 2001.
    140. 1 2 3 국방일보. "[K9 34회·끝] 터키형 자주포 화력시범 대성공". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
    141. "Defense Export". Agency for Defense Development. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
    142. Pike, John. "K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer". Archived from the original on 20 March 2007. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
    143. "삼성테크윈, 폴란드에 'K-9 자주포' 수출...2017년부터 직접 공급" (in Korean). News Way. 16 December 2014.
    144. "MoND FY 2021 Budget Approved by the General Assembly of TGNA". www.defenceturkey.com. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
    145. 1 2 "방산(防産)강국 폴란드가 K9 수입한 사연". Now News. 19 January 2015.
    146. "Series Manufactured Krab Howitzers for the Polish Military". defence24.com (in Polish). 21 March 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
    147. "K9 문당 28억원에 폴란드 수출". Hankyung. 18 December 2014.
    148. "K-9 자주포, 폴란드 수출 차체 1호기 출하". Herald Corporation. 26 June 2015.
    149. "한화테크윈, 폴란드에 K9 자주포 96대 수출(종합)". Yonhap. 15 December 2016.
    150. Charlish, Alan; Hunder, Max (29 May 2022). "Poland gives 18 howitzers to Ukraine - public radio". Reuters. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
    151. "한국·폴란드 국방장관 회담... 국산 무기 수출길 열릴까". 세계일보 (in Korean). 30 May 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
    152. "Poland Sells Its Krab Howitzers to Ukraine: A Record-Breaking Contract". defence24.com (in Polish). Retrieved 10 June 2022.
    153. "Poland to sell 60 AHS Krab self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine". Ukrinform. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
    154. Kim Yeonsuk (27 July 2022). "폴란드 "한국에 K2 1천대·FA-50 3개편대·K-9 600문 주문"(종합2보)". Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
    155. Maciej Szopa (28 July 2022). "Poland Procures Korean MBTs, Aircraft, and Howitzers" (PDF). Defence24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
    156. 구자윤 (28 July 2022). "한화디펜스, 폴란드에 K9·K10·K11 수출 기본 계약". 파이낸셜뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 30 July 2022.
    157. "Czołgi, haubice i samoloty z Korei dla Sił Zbrojnych RP". 27 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
    158. "Polska kupi 1000 czołgów. Błaszczak: planujemy pozyskanie dodatkowych F-35 lub F-15 [WYWIAD]". defence24.pl (in Polish). 26 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
    159. 뉴스, SBS (5 June 2023). "[단독] "12조 금융 지원 또 달라"...2차 협상 난항". SBS NEWS (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    160. 홍의표 (26 September 2022). "[단독] 우리 군이 쓸 전차·자주포도 폴란드로‥'전력 공백' 우려". MBC NEWS (in Korean). Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    161. "육군 갈 K2전차·K9자주포 '폴란드 먼저'... "안보 공백 우려"". 뉴스1 (in Korean). 26 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    162. tf.co.kr (6 December 2022). "K2 '흑표' 전차 ·K9 '썬더' 자주포 두 달 만에 폴란드 도착". 더팩트 (in Korean). Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    163. "승승장구 K방산, 폴란드發 변수에 제동걸리나". 뉴데일리 (in Korean). 9 December 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    164. 1 2 "Czołgi, haubice i amunicja za miliardy już w tym roku. Umowy wykonawcze z Koreą podpisane". defence24.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 27 August 2022.
    165. "[단독] 한화디펜스, 폴란드 방산업체와 '1920억원 규모' 통신 시스템 공급계약 체결". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 8 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
    166. K9PL Roll-Out Ceremony, retrieved 2 December 2022
    167. "폴란드 "한국 기술로 국방력 강화"... K9자주포·K2전차 초도분 도착". 뉴스1 (in Korean). 6 December 2022. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
    168. 머니투데이 (14 July 2023). "한화 김동관 폴란드行...한국선 K9 자주포 조립 개시". 머니투데이 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    169. "Tusk o kontraktach zbrojeniowych: przegląd z intencją kontynuacji". defence24.pl (in Polish). 27 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
    170. "K9 자주포 152문 폴란드 2차 수출 성공...한화 "3.4조 계약"". 동아일보 (in Korean). 4 December 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
    171. "Poland buys more K9 howitzers from South Korea in $2.6 billion deal". Reuters. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
    172. "Umowa na wozy towarzyszące dla polskich haubic". MILMAG (in Polish). 1 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
    173. "Polskie haubice K9A1 zaprezentowane [FOTO]". defence24.pl (in Polish). 19 October 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
    174. 1 2 www.wojsko-polskie.pl https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/au/articles/aktualnosci/dodatkowe-haubice-samobiezne-dla-wojska-polskiego/. Retrieved 22 December 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
    175. "K-9 자주포 40여문 핀란드 수출 임박". Hankook Ilbo. 2 June 2016.
    176. "Maavoimien tykistökaluston uusiminen etenee". Archived from the original on 5 July 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
    177. "Maavoimien etsikkoaikaa eletään parhaillaan". 26 February 2016. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
    178. "핀란드 육군사령관, K-9 자주포 부대 다녀가". The Kyunghyang Shinmun. 18 September 2016.
    179. "K-9 자주포, 핀란드 수출 양해각서 체결". Daily NTN. 23 November 2016.
    180. "Suomi ostaa 48 käytettyä panssarihaupitsia Etelä-Koreasta". Yle Uutiset. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
    181. "K-9 자주포 핀란드 수출계약 체결, 48문 1.45억 유로 규모". Republic of Korea. 2 March 2017.
    182. "Finnish Army to use option for 5 additional K9 155 mm self-propelled howitzers | Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2021 | Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    183. "Finland exercises option for five more K9 SPHs". Janes.com. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    184. "Lisää K9-panssarihaupitseja Maavoimille – Ruotuväki". ruotuvaki.fi (in Finnish). 26 October 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
    185. "Suomi jatkaa aseostoja Venäjän hyökkäyssodan varjossa: Nyt ostoslistalla on liki 40 "Moukaria"". hs.fi. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
    186. https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/equipment#/asset/view/id/234
    187. "K9 howitzer delivery to Finland continues". English Defence News. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
    188. "Millog – a pioneer in national security of supply". 11 April 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
    189. "한·인도 공동성명". Blue House. 25 March 2012.
    190. "L&T, Samsung join hands for India's Howitzer artillery". The Economic Times. 29 March 2012.
    191. 1 2 "K9 자주포 인도수출 Q&A". 28 August 2020.
    192. "India's Newest Gun: Fast and Deadly". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 11 October 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
    193. "한국산 K-9 자주포 100문 인도 수출.. 가격협상 마쳐". Konas Net. 6 July 2016.
    194. "국산 K-9 자주포 인도 수출...양국 국방협력 강화". Yonhap. 2 April 2017.
    195. "K-9 자주포 100문 인도 수출 확정...3500억 규모". Newsis. 21 April 2017.
    196. Global, IndraStra. "Indian Army Inducts Two New Artillery Systems". IndraStra. ISSN 2381-3652. Archived from the original on 18 November 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2018.
    197. "K9 '바지라' 인도 수출". Republic of Korea Defense Media Agency. 23 April 2017. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
    198. "Indian army gets more firepower! Rajnath Singh flags off 51st K9 Vajra-T Gun". The Financial Express. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
    199. "In a first, Pakistan showcases nuclear-capable SH-15 howitzer in national day parade". Daily Pakistan. 23 March 2022.
    200. MP, Sidharth (21 February 2020). "IIT-M working on next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army". WION. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
    201. "100번째 K9 바지라 자주포 인도육군에 인도...추가 발주 가능성도". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 20 February 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    202. Philip, Snehesh Alex (14 June 2021). "India sets eyes on Russian Sprut light tanks to counter China, gets rare access to trials". The Print. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
    203. 조선일보 (16 May 2021). "중국군에 맞설 인도 경전차 사업...국산 K21-105가 도전장". 조선일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    204. Philip, Snehesh Alex (9 August 2021). "Trials in Ladakh a success, Army looks at ordering 40 more K9 Vajra-T howitzers for mountains". ThePrint. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
    205. Song, Sang-ho; Kang, Yoon-seung (21 October 2021). "Partnering with S. Korea, India seeks to export K9 howitzers to third countries: Indian secretary". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
    206. Unnithan, Sandeep (23 January 2022). "What's behind a massive order for Made-in-India howitzers". India Today. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
    207. "인도, 한화디펜스의 K9 바지라 자주포 200문 추가 주문". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 24 January 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    208. 1 2 Philip, Snehesh Alex (27 September 2022). "China threat in mind, Army to order another 100 K9 Vajra howitzers from L&T, more to follow". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
    209. "Indian Army orders 100 additional K9 howitzers". Janes.com. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
    210. 뉴스1 (23 August 2023). "김태효 '한-인도 전략대화' 개최..."우리 기업 지속 지원" 당부". 뉴스1 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    211. NEWSIS (23 August 2023). "김태효, 한-인도 전략대화서 "북 도발, 평화 위협...단합 대응하자"". newsis (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    212. "장윤석 의원, 노르웨이와 방산·문화 협력 논의". Daegu Newspaper. 20 May 2015.
    213. "노르웨이 설원에 간 자주포 K9". Segye. 7 February 2016.
    214. 1 2 "손재일 한화지상방산 대표 "K-9, 해외마케팅 강화". Segye. 20 February 2018.
    215. Per Erlien Dalløkken (24 August 2016). "Hæren ligger an til å få koreanske kanoner" [The army is likely to get Korean cannons] (in Norwegian). tu.no. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
    216. "한화, K-9 자주포 24문 노르웨이에 수출 계약...2천452억원 규모(종합)". Yonhap. 21 December 2017.
    217. "K9A1 자주포의 시작" (in Korean). Defense Times. 5 October 2019.
    218. [군금해?!] K9A3 완전무인화? 우리가 몰랐던 K9자주포의 모든 것! (in Korean). 국방TV. 8 November 2020.
    219. "한화디펜스, 호주 자주포 사업 수주 '히든카드' 꺼내...콩스버그 협력". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 13 November 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    220. 이, 보람 (8 November 2022). "한화에어로스페이스, 노르웨이에 K9 자주포 추가 수출". 중앙일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    221. 박, 희준 (9 November 2022). "노르웨이, K9 4문·K10 8대 추가 수입...K9 수입량 총 28문". 더팩트 (in Korean). Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    222. курс, The Baltic Course – Балтийский. "Estonia to team up with Finland to procure K9 Thunder howitzers". Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2017.
    223. "K-9자주포 유럽 2개국에 동시수출". Aju Business Daily. 6 February 2017.
    224. Hankewitz, Sten (26 June 2018). "Estonia to buy artillery from South Korea for €46 million". Estonian World. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
    225. "에스토니아, K9 자주포 12대 600억원에 도입 합의". Newsis. 27 June 2018.
    226. "한화디펜스, 에스토니아에 K9 자주포 6대 추가 수출". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 25 October 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
    227. "에스토니아군, 한화디펜스와 함께 K9 자주포 개조 착수...6문 추가 구매설". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 4 August 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    228. "한화디펜스, 에스토니아 'K9 자주포' 현대화 사업 수주". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 5 August 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
    229. "합참의장, 에스토니아 총사령관 접견...군사·방산협력 논의". YTN (in Korean). 22 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    230. 국방일보. "한·에스토니아, 군사 교류 확대 '긴밀한 협력'". 국방일보. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    231. "Estonia's defense minister on Ukrainian lessons, future investments and Russia's cyber threat". 7 November 2022.
    232. ERR, ERR News | (30 November 2022). "Go Craft opens first private military equipment service and repair workshop". ERR. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
    233. "[단독] 한화에어로, 에스토니아와 'K9 자주포' 12문 추가 계약 ... 3600만 유로". 뉴데일리 (in Korean). 17 January 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    234. ERR, ERR | (23 February 2023). "EDF takes delivery of first K9 to be fitted out for Estonian conditions". ERR. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    235. "국산 K-9자주포 호주수출 추진". Segye. 1 June 2005.
    236. "K-9 자주포 호주 수출 유력". Seoul News. 4 August 2009.
    237. "K-9 자주포, 호주 땅도 밟을까". New Daily. 26 April 2012.
    238. "Rethink of Defence projects to save billions". ABC Online. 3 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    239. "Australian Army to receive massive boost in firepower with 155mm SPH purchase". Australian Pacific Defense Reporter. June 2019.
    240. "Government announces request for tender for Army Protected Mobile Fires". 2 September 2020.
    241. 머니투데이 (13 December 2021). "파이브 아이즈도 'K9 자주포' 쏜다...한화, 호주에 1조 규모 수출 – 머니투데이". news.mt.co.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 13 December 2021.
    242. "S. Korea to export 30 units of K-9 howitzer to Australia under W930b deal". m.koreaherald.com. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
    243. Kadib, Charbel (13 December 2021). "Huntsman deal to strengthen regional security posture: PM". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
    244. NEWSIS (8 April 2022). "호주 현지에 한국산 자주포·장갑차 생산 공장 생긴다". newsis (in Korean). Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    245. "한화디펜스, '1조' 호주 자주포 수출 프로젝트 잰걸음". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 11 March 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    246. "한화시스템-한화디펜스-원웹, 호주軍 위성인터넷 사업 협력 MOU 체결". 로이슈. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
    247. "한화 '호주 자주포 사업'에 프랑스 사프란 가세". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 5 October 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    248. "한화에어로, K9 호주형 모델에 독일산 화학·유해물질 센서 탑재". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 30 January 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    249. "한화에어로 '호주몽' 비상등...장갑차 축소·자주포 추가 도입 중단". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 24 April 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    250. "한화, 호주 '헌츠맨 프로젝트' AS9·AS10 폭발 테스트 성공적 완료". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 1 June 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    251. "[모닝픽] 한화디펜스, 호주서 K9자주포·K10 탄약보급장갑차 생산 시작". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 28 June 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    252. "한화에어로스페이스, 호주軍 공급용 K9자주포 양산 개시". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 28 June 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    253. "호주 육군, 한화 'AS9 자주포' 포탄 발사 테스트 진행". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 4 July 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    254. "호주, K9 자주포에 이스라엘산 전력 시스템 장착". 한스경제 (in Korean). 22 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    255. "6T Li-Ion NATO Batteries". Epsilor. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    256. "Hanwha Techwin to improve earnings due to K9 Thunder exports" (in Korean). 5 April 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    257. "Egypt evaluating new artillery". 24 July 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
    258. "K-9 자주포 이집트서 시험발사...성능평가 후 수출 기대". MBN. 26 July 2017.
    259. Helou, Agnes (1 February 2022). "Why did Egypt choose to buy South Korea's K9 howitzer?". Defense News. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    260. 머니투데이 (3 February 2022). "곡사 화기로 망망대해 표적 저격...K9에 반한 이집트, K10·K11도 담았다". 머니투데이 (in Korean). Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    261. 기자, 남수현 (12 October 2021). "박병석, 이집트 대통령 만나 세일즈 외교". 중앙일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 12 October 2021.
    262. "[단독] 이집트 방산물자부장관, 한화디펜스·현대위아 공장 방문". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 25 October 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
    263. "한화디펜스 K9 자주포, 이집트 수출길 오르나...한·이집트 군당국 논의". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 30 November 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
    264. "[여의옥] 한화, 'K9 자주포' 이집트 수출 물밑협상". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 11 December 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
    265. 1 2 "S. Korea to export K9 howitzers to Egypt in 2 tln won deal". Yonhap News Agency. 1 February 2022. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
    266. 1 2 Jung Bitna (1 February 2022). "K-9 자주포, 2조원대 이집트 수출 극적 성사...아프리카 첫 진출". Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on 1 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
    267. Hanwha Defense inks deal to export the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer to Egypt, retrieved 20 February 2022
    268. "한화디펜스, 이집트와 K9 자주포 2조원 규모 수출 계약...'역대 최대 규모'". 파이낸셜투데이 (in Korean). 3 February 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2022.
    269. 임재현. ""K9 이집트 자주포 수출 계약, 금융조건 합의했다"...수출입은행, 일각 비판에 정면 반박". 디지털데일리 (in Korean). Retrieved 31 December 2023.
    270. "한화디펜스, 이집트와 K-9자주포 공동생산 후속계약 체결". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 26 February 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    271. "한화, 이집트 K9사업 파트너로 호주 철강기업 낙점". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 12 June 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
    272. tf.co.kr (19 June 2022). "이집트 내년부터 K9A1EGY 자주 포 생산...아랍·아프리카 수출협의". 더팩트 (in Korean). Retrieved 19 June 2022.
    273. "한화디펜스, 이집트 방산기업과 K9 자주포 부품 생산계약 체결". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 24 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    274. "Hanwha places order with Bisalloy for Egyptian project". Australian Manufacturing Forum. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
    275. 1 2 Jeremy Binnie (26 October 2023). "Egypt displays K9 howitzer in parade". Janes Information Services. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
    276. "SKorea's Hanwha pitches K9 howitzer for British mobile fires program". Defense News. 2 June 2021.
    277. 조선비즈 (23 March 2022). "한화디펜스, K9 자주포 영국 수출 위한 '팀 썬더' 협력 확대". 조선비즈 (in Korean). Retrieved 5 June 2022.
    278. "한화디펜스, 영국서 최신형 K9자주포 공개". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 22 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    279. K9A2 Self-Propelled Howitzer at Millbrook Proving Ground, UK, retrieved 28 September 2022
    280. Chuter, Andrew (16 March 2023). "British Army buys 14 Archer howitzers to fill gap left by Ukraine aid". Defense News. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    281. tf.co.kr (8 July 2023). "한화에어로, '복합 고무궤도 장착' K9 자주포 시험 주행...게임체인저될까?". 더팩트 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    282. "루마니아, 한국의 K9자주포와 K2흑표전차 구매 희망". 글로벌이코노믹 (in Korean). 27 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
    283. "România - planuri mari privind achizițiile din Coreea de Sud. Obuziere K9, mașini de luptă și K239 Chunmoo, versiunea coreeană a HIMARS". Defense Romania (in Romanian). 6 February 2023.
    284. "S-a discutat producția în România a unor componente ale obuzierelor K9 Thunder. România demarează achiziția de obuziere autopropulsate". www.defenseromania.ro (in Romanian). 7 July 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    285. 조선비즈 (9 July 2023). "한화 K9 자주포, 루마니아 수출 순풍... "1차분 8000억원" 전망도". 조선비즈 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    286. Curtifan, Tudor (4 April 2023). "Start în achiziția de obuziere șenilate de 155 mm iar "toate drumurile" duc la K9 Thunder. România a stabilit numărul de obuziere". DefenseRomania (in Romanian).
    287. "Vietnamese army interested in South Korean-made Hanwha K9A1 Self-propelled Howitzer | Defense News April 2023 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 | Archive News year". 3 April 2023.
    288. "韓ㆍ덴마크 정상회담, K-9 자주포 방산협력 논의". Herald Corporation. 25 October 2016.
    289. Mads Korsager Nielsen and Mette Pabst (11 August 2023). "Dansk agent om våbenkøb: Jeg forsøgte forgæves at aflevere tilbud om genvej til sydkoreanske kanoner". Danish Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
    290. "우크라이나 무기 지원한 덴마크, 한화 K9 자주포 구애". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 10 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    291. "덴마크 국방장관, 이스라엘 무기 도입 공식사과...한화 K9 자주포 다시 기회". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 11 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
    292. Toper, Ezgi. "What you need to know about Türkiye's self-propelled Firtina II howitzers". What you need to know about Türkiye's self-propelled Firtina II howitzers. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
    293. Peri, Dinakar (9 November 2018). "Army fire power gets booster shot". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
    294. 1 2 "한화 '호주 자주포 사업'에 프랑스 사프란 가세". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 5 October 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    295. 1 2 "Huntsman howitzers action ready by 2023". The Weekend Australian. 1 June 2021.
    296. "Estonian K9 Thunder howitzers (designated K9 Kõu) with local upgrades". r/TankPorn. 15 April 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
    297. Kund, Oliver (25 June 2018). "Uus tulejõud lisab kaitseväele rammu". www.postimees.ee (in Estonian). Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
    298. Vahtla, Aili (26 June 2018). "Gallery: Estonia, South Korea sign artillery purchase agreement". news.err.ee. ERR. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
    299. ERR, ERR News | (3 October 2019). "Paper: More military equipment to be bought from South Korea". ERR. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
    300. ERR, BNS, ERR News, ERR | (20 November 2021). "Conscripts get first-hand experience in K9 Thunder live-firing exercise". ERR. Retrieved 25 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    301. ERR, ERR | (17 December 2023). "Gallery: Another six K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers arrive in Estonia". ERR. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
    302. kersti (22 February 2023). "Go Craft andis kaitseväele üle esimese liikursuurtüki K9 • AS Go Group". AS Go Group (in Estonian). Retrieved 20 December 2023.
    303. "Millog tekee kansallisia muutostöitä Puolustusvoimien käyttöön tuleville K9-panssarihaupitseille". Millog (in Finnish). 9 October 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
    304. Suomi hankkii 48 käytettyä panssarihaupitsia Etelä-Koreasta iltasanomat.fi, 17 February 2017.
    305. Larrinaga, de, Nicholas (18 February 2017). "Finland buys K9 howitzers from South Korea". IHS Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 18 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
    306. "K9 selected for Indian Army SPH requirement – IHS Jane's 360". Archived from the original on 9 October 2015. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
    307. "First batch of K9 Vajra-T 155mm self-propelled howitzers delivered to Indian army". Army Recognition. 9 May 2018. Archived from the original on 12 May 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
    308. Yeo, Mike (20 December 2017). "Norway orders K9 howitzers in latest win for South Korean arms industry". Defense News. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 20 December 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
    309. Grevatt, Jon (22 December 2017). "Hanwha confirms K9 export to Norway". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 26 December 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
    310. Erlien Dalløkken, Per (20 December 2017). "Nå er det klart: Dette blir Norges nye artilleri". Teknisk Ukeblad (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 26 December 2017. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
    311. Pettersen, Stephan (7 November 2022). "Hæren får fire nye k9 artillerivogner". forsvaretsforum.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2 December 2022.
    312. Administrator (17 December 2023). "KRAB 155mm self-propelled howitzer tracked armored data". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
    313. "[더구루] 한화에어로스페이스, 폴란드에 K9 자주포 18문 인도". www.theguru.co.kr (in Korean). 24 October 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
    314. Samsung Techwin signs deal for delivering 120 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers to Poland Archived 2015-09-23 at the Wayback Machine armyrecognition.com, 17 December 2014.
    315. Grevatt, Jon (16 December 2016). "South Korea's Hanwha secures Polish K9 export". IHS Jane's 360. Bangkok. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
    316. "Poland to order 48 Krab howitzers for nearly $800 mln". Reuters. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
    317. "폴란드 국방 "K2 전차 5대·K9 자주포 12문 항구 도착"". 한국경제 (in Korean). 23 March 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    318. Global, K. E. D. "Hanwha Aerospace to export more K9 howitzer to Poland". KED Global. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
    319. "신형 자주포 'K9' 1000여개 늘린다". 문화일보 (in Korean). Retrieved 7 December 2023.
    320. 남희헌 (2 January 2018). "한화테크윈 자회사 한화지상방산, K9자주포 등 4700억 일감 따내". 비즈니스포스트. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
    321. "STX엔진소식 대규모 방산 수주". STX Engine. 9 August 2017.
    322. Dominguez, Gabriel; Kim, Dae Young (13 November 2020). "Hanwha Defense completes K9 SPH deliveries to South Korean military". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
    323. Toper, Ezgi. "What you need to know about Türkiye's self-propelled Firtina II howitzers". What you need to know about Türkiye's self-propelled Firtina II howitzers. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
    324. 남효정 (13 December 2021). "K-9 자주포 호주 수출 계약‥9천억 원 규모". MBC NEWS (in Korean). Retrieved 13 December 2021.
    325. Oryx. "Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.