K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer Engine Completes Durability Tests in Egypt

The domestically developed 1,000-horsepower diesel engine for the K9 self-propelled howitzer has completed durability testing in Egypt, marking a step toward expanding South Korea’s defense exports.

The trials, conducted from mid-2023 to December last year, included 10,000 km of driving in mountain and desert environments, both domestically and internationally.

The completion of the tests enables the mass production of the K9 self-propelled howitzer package in Egypt starting in the second half of this year. Hanwha Aerospace secured a 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) contract with Egypt in February 2022, covering the K9 self-propelled howitzer, K10 ammunition transport vehicle, and K11 fire command armored vehicle.

Previously, the K9 self-propelled howitzer used an engine manufactured under a foreign license, requiring export approval from the original developer. This restriction limited exports to certain regions, including the Middle East. In response, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and related agencies initiated efforts in 2020 to localize core defense technologies. By 2023, approximately 500 key engine components had been successfully produced domestically.

Hanwha Aerospace integrated the new engine into the K9 system through extensive testing with experienced pilots. Over the past year, four drivers operated the vehicle 100 km daily in various terrains.