The Egyptian defense company Arab International Optronics Company has signed an agreement with Hanwha Defense Group to produce locally the Automatic Fire Control System (FCS) and other electronic components for the K9A1 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer that will be produced in Egypt.
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Hanwha Defense presented an Egyptian version of the K9A1 EGY during the EDEX defense exhibition in Egypt, in November 2021. (Picture source Army Recognition)
With this new agreement, the defense industry of Egypt will have the capability to produce and manufacture locally 70% of the K9 self-propelled howitzer with the first production in 2023.
In February 2022, South Korea signed a contract to sell K9 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers to Egypt in a deal worth over US$1.65 billion. The contract also includes the transfer technology to produce the K9A1 howitzer in Egypt.
Egypt and South Korea signed a USD1.65 billion contract during IDEX International Defence Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi, for the production of unspecified numbers of the K9A1 EGY version of the howitzer and K10 tracked armored ammunition resupply vehicle. The K9A1 EGY was displayed by Hanwha Defense during the EDEX defense exhibition in Egypt in November 2021.
With the production of K9 howitzers in Egypt, the country is also expected to export the K9 to Arab and African countries.
The K9 nicknamed Thunder is one the most modern 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers in the world. It was developed by the South Korean company Samsung Techwin and is now manufactured by the company Hanwha Land Systems.
The main armament of the K9 Thunder consists of a 155 mm/52 caliber ordnance with a maximum firing range of 40 km. A total of 48 projectiles and their associated charges are carried out for ready use. The maximum range of fire is 30 km with a standard HE projectile and 40 km with a rocket-assisted projectile. After receiving a fire command, the K9 Thunder is able to fire on a target within 30 seconds at emplacement and within 60 seconds from movement.
