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South Korean K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer Still Has a Bright Future Thanks to Its New Engine.
On February 12, 2025, Hanwha Aerospace announced the successful completion of acceptance tests for its new 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, designed for the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH). This development marks a significant step forward for the K9 platform, further enhancing its appeal in the global market for self-propelled artillery systems.
The K9 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by South Korea to provide rapid and precise long-range fire support. (Picture source: Hanwha)
Over the past year, this new powertrain has undergone rigorous testing in South Korea, Egypt, and other countries, covering more than 10,000 kilometers in diverse conditions, including desert environments. These tests confirmed both the reliability of the engine and its capacity to operate in demanding settings.
In 2022, Hanwha Aerospace signed a USD 1.7 billion contract with the Egyptian Armed Forces for the supply of a fleet that includes K9A1EGY self-propelled howitzers, K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and K11 fire control vehicles. Under this contract, the first batch of K9A1EGYs equipped with the indigenous engine is expected to be delivered by the first quarter of 2026 at the latest.
According to Kim Dong-hyun, Head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace: “Thanks to the successful completion of the tests on our domestically built engine, we can now offer a specialized engine to any potential K9 customers, which should expand its global presence. This achievement is a key element of our ongoing efforts to diversify our portfolio and meet the evolving needs of our international clients.”
Adopted by ten countries worldwide—including six NATO members—the K9 is among the most popular artillery systems on the international market. Known for its “Shoot and Scoot” capability, it can swiftly deliver accurate fire beyond 40 kilometers and then reposition to avoid counter-battery fire.
The K9 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed by South Korea to provide rapid and precise long-range fire support. It features considerable firepower with its 155 mm main gun, complemented by a roof-mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Designed to withstand direct battlefield threats, its armor protects the crew from 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds and fragments from 152 mm artillery shells, while maintaining high mobility thanks to its approximately 46,300 kg weight and a top speed of up to 67 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a CBRN protection system, a heating unit, internal and external communications, manual fire suppression systems, and an automated fire control system. It can travel up to 360 km without refueling, preserving solid autonomy in the field.
Its dimensions—7.44 m in length, 3.4 m in width, and 2.73 m in height at the turret roof—provide enough interior space to accommodate a crew of five. The K9 is already in active service or being adopted in several countries, including South Korea, Australia, Egypt, Estonia, India, Finland, Norway, Poland (for the chassis), and Turkey (where it is known as the Firtina). Its success lies both in its long-range firing capabilities and its operational versatility, making it a top-choice artillery system for various theaters of operation.
Hanwha Aerospace is a global aerospace and defense company offering a wide range of products and services. Its portfolio includes land combat vehicles such as the renowned K9 self-propelled howitzer family, the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system, as well as precision-guided munitions and aircraft engines.
As South Korea’s leading aerospace and defense company, Hanwha Aerospace invests heavily in the research, development, and manufacture of advanced technologies. It plays a key role in national space programs, such as the Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV). For more information, visit the company’s official website.