Australia has received its first AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer from South Korea, marking the beginning of a significant defense procurement. This comes as part of a $788 million contract signed in December 2021 between Australia`s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and Hanwha Defense Australia. Under this agreement, Australia will receive 30 AS9 howitzers and 15 AS10 Armored Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (AARVs) by 2027, all produced locally in Geelong, Victoria, at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE).

The AS9 Huntsman, already tested in South Korea at the Changwon Proving Ground, showcases advanced features such as enhanced armor, anti-tank mine protection, and semi-automated systems. Its tracked chassis enables it to operate across various terrains, and its advanced recoil management systems enhance accuracy. It is compatible with NATO-standard munitions and is designed for interoperability with allied forces, enhancing Australia`s operational capabilities in defense.

The AS9 Huntsman is based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder platform and features a 155mm/52-caliber main gun capable of firing standard ammunition up to 40 kilometers and specialized rounds up to 60 kilometers. It is equipped with a Kongsberg fire control system to enable integration with other Australian defense systems and includes a semi-automated loading mechanism. The AS9 can fire three rounds in 15 seconds and sustain a rate of six to eight rounds per minute.

The vehicle includes modifications such as an enhanced suspension system, additional armor for increased protection, and air conditioning tailored for hot climates. Measuring 12.4 meters in length, 3.5 meters in width, and 3.7 meters in height, the AS9 weighs less than 52 tonnes. It can reach speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour and operates with a crew of five. Its design supports multiple pintle-mounted weapons, including the F89, MAG58, M2HB, and MK47, as well as a Remote Weapon System (RWS) for additional operational flexibility. The accompanying AS10 resupply vehicle shares the AS9’s tracked chassis and includes an automated loading system to reduce crew exposure during reloading.

The AS9 and AS10 are intended to replace the M777 howitzers in key artillery roles, with the M777 remaining in use for air-mobile operations. The acquisition process for a self-propelled howitzer began in 2005, with discussions between Australian and South Korean defense officials. By 2010, the K9 platform was selected for Australia’s Land 17 artillery replacement program after testing that included firing the M982 Excalibur precision- guided shell. However, budget reallocation following floods in Queensland led to the program’s cancellation in 2012. Interest was revived in 2019, leading to the formalization of the Land 8116 Phase 1 program in 2021. Production commenced in 2023.

The AS9 Huntsman is based on South Korea’s renowned K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer and features a 155mm/52-caliber main gun capable of firing standard ammunition up to 40 kilometers and specialized rounds up to 60 kilometers.

The 150,000-square-meter H-ACE facility in Geelong, which includes a 1.5-kilometer test track, began construction in April 2022. The site is expected to create 300 jobs and includes partnerships with international firms such as Kongsberg Gruppen and Hanwha Systems, which have provided systems integration and technology support. Testing of the AS9 at the Changwon Proving Ground in South Korea confirmed features such as enhanced armor, anti-tank mine protection, and semi-automated systems. Its tracked chassis is suited for various terrains, and compatibility with NATO-standard munitions ensures interoperability with allied forces.

In October 2024, Hanwha Aerospace unveiled the K9A3 self-propelled howitzer at the KADEX exhibition in South Korea. The K9A3 features a 155mm barrel with a 58-caliber length, allowing it to fire beyond 80 kilometers. It is designed for autonomous operations and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), with the ability to be remotely controlled via the K11A1 Fire Direction Control Vehicle. The K11A1 can coordinate up to three howitzers at once and is based on the K9A3 chassis, offering a Remote Controlled Weapon Station and reinforced armor to support movement and firing.

The K9 Thunder series has achieved notable global success and expansion. In December 2024, Norway received four additional K9 howitzers along with eight K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. Romania secured a deal in July 2024 for 54 K9 howitzers and 36 K10 vehicles. Egypt adapted the K9 platform for coastal defense, integrating anti-ship capabilities, and became the first to use the K9 in this role. As part of its agreement, Hanwha Aerospace delivered 216 K9A1 howitzers and 51 K11 fire direction vehicles to Egypt, showcasing the platform`s versatility across diverse missions.

At AUSA 2024, Hanwha showcased the K9A2, a version equipped with a fully automatic turret and fire control system capable of firing up to 10 rounds per minute. This model is a strong contender for the U.S. Army’s self-propelled howitzer program. In August 2024, the K9 Thunder successfully tested the U.S.-made M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided artillery projectile at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, striking a target nearly 50 kilometers away. Worldwide, approximately 2,000 K9 vehicles are currently in service with countries like Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania. The system, which supports NATO-standard ammunition, has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance with various projectiles.