Flash News: South Korea Proposes K9 Howitzer as Alternative to US Artillery in Canada’s Modernization Plan.

According to information published on March 10, 2025, by the Canadian Daily Newspaper Ottawa Citizen, a delegation of a dozen South Korean defense industry and government officials visited Ottawa on March 5 and 6, 2025, to discuss potential defense equipment sales with the Canadian government. The delegation presented a range of proposals, including the supply of advanced K9 howitzers, training aircraft, rocket launchers, and submarines, as part of South Korea's broader effort to enhance military cooperation with Canada.
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A South Korean K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer in action during a live-fire demonstration at a field exercise in South Korea, showcasing its advanced firepower and mobility in real-combat conditions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

This visit comes on the heels of a significant announcement from the Canadian government, which recently initiated the procurement process for its Indirect Fires Modernisation (IFM) program. This program is aimed at bolstering the capabilities of Canada’s land forces, with a particular focus on acquiring new artillery systems. The inclusion of South Korea in the bidding process marks a potential shift away from traditional American suppliers, amid strained political relations between the United States and Canada, exacerbated by former US President Donald Trump’s controversial rhetoric and policies during his tenure. The ongoing deterioration in political relations between the two North American neighbors has created an opening for South Korea to offer its cutting-edge K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer as a replacement for American combat equipment under the IFM program.

The K9 Thunder, developed by South Korea’s Hanwha Defense, is considered one of the most modern tracked self-propelled howitzers in the world today. With a 155mm main gun capable of delivering extended-range firepower of up to 40 kilometers, the K9 boasts exceptional mobility, firepower, and protection. The system is powered by a robust 1,000-horsepower engine, which ensures superior speed and maneuverability on the battlefield, while its fully automated loading and firing systems allow it to engage targets with high precision rapidly.

Additionally, the K9 features advanced armor for crew protection and is equipped with state-of-the-art command and control systems that enhance operational efficiency. The self-propelled howitzer’s design also ensures it can operate in various environmental conditions, from hot deserts to extremely cold regions, making it highly versatile for global deployments. With its NATO-compatible systems, the K9 provides the added advantage of interoperability with allied forces, particularly in joint operations with NATO members, such as Canada.

Today, the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer is in service with several countries from all over the world, including Australia, Egypt, Estonia, India, Poland, and Turkey under the T-155 Firtina program. These nations have relied on the K9 to modernize their artillery capabilities and enhance the effectiveness of their armed forces. One of the key advantages of the K9 is its ability to operate in extreme weather conditions. This makes it particularly attractive to nations like Canada, which face harsh winter environments and cold-weather operational requirements. In fact, the K9 is currently undergoing rigorous winter and cold-weather tests in Finland and Norway, two countries with climates similar to that of Canada. The K9’s performance in these conditions will be a crucial factor for the Canadian military, which operates in some of the most extreme weather in the world.

Another significant advantage of the K9 self-propelled howitzer is its NATO compatibility. As Canada is a member of NATO, the integration of foreign defense equipment that aligns with NATO standards is a critical consideration for the Canadian Armed Forces. The K9 is fully compatible with NATO 155mm artillery ammunition, making it an ideal choice for Canada’s modernization efforts. Its interoperability with other NATO forces will ensure that Canada can work seamlessly alongside its allies in multinational operations, a key aspect of the country's defense strategy.

South Korea’s offer to Canada also aligns with the current trend of diversifying military equipment sources, as Canada looks to reduce its reliance on American defense suppliers. This move could potentially allow Canada to strengthen its defense ties with South Korea, a country with a strong track record in producing high-quality, battle-tested military systems.

In light of the ongoing tensions between Canada and the United States, the South Korean offer presents a strategic opportunity for Canada to diversify its defense procurement. The K9 self-propelled howitzer is not only a proven and reliable artillery system but also an opportunity for Canada to strengthen its defense relationships with South Korea, a partner with shared democratic values and security interests.

The South Korean delegation’s visit to Ottawa is seen as a step toward deepening the bilateral defense cooperation between Canada and South Korea, and it could open the door for further sales of advanced defense equipment, including air defense systems, missile launchers, and other key technologies.

As the Canadian government moves forward with its Indirect Fires Modernisation program, the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer is positioned to be a strong contender in the bidding process. With its robust track record of global exports, NATO compatibility, and proven performance in extreme cold-weather environments, the K9 may very well be the right choice to enhance Canada’s artillery capabilities in the years to come.

The global success of the South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer speaks to its broad appeal and versatility. Aside from its current service in multiple NATO and non-NATO countries, the K9 has been included in various international defense tenders and is being actively considered for procurement by other nations seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities. With its advanced features, superior firepower, and high mobility, the K9 self-propelled howitzer is set to remain a key player in the global artillery market, and it could play a significant role in strengthening Canada’s military defense strategy moving forward.

As the Canadian military looks to modernize and equip itself for future challenges, the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer offers a powerful and reliable solution that could meet the nation’s needs for both domestic defense and international cooperation.