Hanwha Aerospace, Nears Export of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to Vietnam

[Korea Financial Times, Shin Haeju] Hanwha Aerospace(CEO Kim Dong-kwan) is on the verge of exporting approximately 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam in a deal worth USD 300 million (about KRW 430.9 billion).

According to the defense industry on the 21st, the Korean government and Hanwha Aerospace have entered the final stages of negotiations to export K9 howitzers to Vietnam, with the contract expected to be signed as early as next month.

If finalized, Vietnam will become the 11th country to adopt the K9 howitzer, and South Korea will make history by exporting weapons to a communist nation for the first time. While South Korea had previously provided decommissioned patrol ships to Vietnam, these were not monetary transactions.

In February 2023, Vietnam's Minister of Defense, Phan Van Giang, visited South Korea, toured the 7th Mobile Corps, and attended a briefing from Hanwha Aerospace to discuss the possibility of acquiring K9 howitzers. In April of last year, Acting Minister of National Defense (Vice Minister) Kim Seon-ho met with Vietnam’s Deputy Defense Minister and Artillery Commander to discuss the export of the K9.

Vietnam’s consideration of the K9 howitzers appears to be an effort to diversify its military assets in response to global security changes. Most of the current weapon systems used by the Vietnam People's Army originate from China or the former Soviet Union.

Some analysts suggest that adopting South Korean weapons compatible with NATO systems could signal a shift towards reducing dependence on China, especially as Vietnam is embroiled in territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea.

The K9 self-propelled howitzer is a domestically developed artillery system widely recognized for its firepower. Produced by Hanwha Aerospace, it is utilized by South Korea’s Army and Marine Corps and is considered among the world’s most advanced in its class.

Weighing 47 tons and measuring 12 meters in length, the K9 can fire its first round within 30 seconds. It is capable of rapid fire, launching three rounds in 15 seconds and up to six rounds per minute. The maximum firing range is 40 kilometers.

Last year, Hanwha unveiled the latest version of the K9 self-propelled howitzer, the K9A2. This upgraded model features automated loading of ammunition and propellant, increasing the rate of fire from six to nine rounds per minute. With full automation, the crew required to operate the system has been reduced from five to three.

Shin Haeju (hjs0509@fntimes.com)