Hanwha Defense Offers New K9 Howitzer Variant to the British Army

South Korea’s Hanwha Defense has offered a new variant of the K9 self-propelled howitzer to the British Army under the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) for MFP is due to be released in 2022.

Tests and evaluations for the newest version of K9, dubbed the K9A2, are already in full swing to increase the artillery’s key capabilities, including the maximum rate of fire and automatic ammunition loading functions. The K9A2 development has been led by Hanwha Defense and the state-funded Agency for Defense Development.

The proposed UK version will be fitted with advanced technologies, such as an unmanned turret, mine protection kits and composite rubber tracks. Furthermore, an automated resupply capability will be introduced using Hanwha’s robotic K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle.

The company has begun formal discussions with UK partners to arrange for the ‘Made in the UK’ variant of the K9. If signed, the contract will include technology transfer. Talks are already underway with Lockheed Martin UK, Pearson Engineering, Horstman Defence Systems and Soucy Defense, along with other UK defence industry partners.