DAPA Develops Extended Range 155mm Ammunition for Korea's K9 Howitzer

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) unveiled the '155mm Range Extended Munitions Project' system development completion on February 6.

In an official release, DAPA announced the launch of the '155mm Range Extension Projection Project' at the Poongsan Research Institute in Daejeon, supervised by Firepower Business Department Director Lee Myeong. The '155mm extended range projectile project' attained compliance with national defense standards in December after being deemed suitable for combat use in August 2023.

The ammunition utilizes a combination of propellants from the drag reduction projectile and rocket auxiliary propellant projectiles currently in use by the military. This extends the maximum range of the K9 self-propelled howitzer by over 30% compared to the current range.

The 'Complete System Development Meeting' is scheduled to be held to discuss the project further. DAPA Director Eom Dong-hwan expressed gratitude to various entities involved in the development, including Poongsan Co., Ltd., the Army, the Marine Corps, the Agency for Defense Development, and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality.

While Director Eom Dong-hwan emphasized the potential enhancement of the military's artillery power and the possibility of boosting exports related to the K9 self-propelled howitzer, the announcement was devoid of any critical evaluation or analysis of the project. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration aims to sign a contract this year and commence full-scale mass production of 155mm extended-range ammunition.