South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer: an alternative in the Canadian Armed Forces modernization program

K9 Thunder

South Korea is actively promoting its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer as a key element in the Canadian Armed Forces modernization program. This step is particularly significant against the background of growing tensions between Ottawa and Washington, which makes American-made artillery systems less attractive to the Canadian government. The K9 Thunder howitzer is positioned as a modern and competitive alternative capable of meeting the needs of the Canadian Army.

According to Canadian media reports, a delegation of South Korean military officials and representatives of the defense industry visited Ottawa in early March. The purpose of the visit was to explore the potential for expanding defense cooperation between the two countries. Various proposals were considered during the discussions, including the supply of K9 Thunder howitzers, training aircraft, multiple launch rocket systems, and even submarines.

The K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer has already established itself in the international arena due to its reliability, high rate of fire and the ability to fire at long distances. These characteristics make it attractive to countries seeking to strengthen their artillery capabilities. For Canada, which is actively modernizing its armed forces, the K9 Thunder could be an important acquisition.

However, experts note that the decision to choose new artillery equipment will depend not only on technical characteristics, but also on geopolitical factors. Tensions with the United States may prompt Canada to turn to alternative suppliers such as South Korea, which will strengthen the latter's position in the global arms market.

If the agreement is successfully concluded, it will be a significant step in the development of defense cooperation between South Korea and Canada, as well as strengthen Seoul's role as a global exporter of military equipment.

Hanwha Aerospace and Huta Stalowa Wola SA have signed a contract to supply components for Krab howitzers

AHS Krab

Hanwha Aerospace and Polish arms manufacturer Huta Stalowa Wola SA (HSW) have signed a contract for the supply of K9 Thunder chassis components and power units for 87 additional 155 mm Krab self-propelled howitzers. The agreement, worth about $280 million, provides for the supply of these components between 2026 and 2028.

This contract is based on a collaboration between the two companies that began in 2014 and has since included several agreements related to the production of the Krab howitzer. Krab is a key artillery system used by the Polish armed forces and manufactured in Poland by HSW in technical cooperation with Hanwha Aerospace.

The Krab is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed based on the K9 Thunder chassis. It has high mobility and the ability to fire quickly. The Krab can fire at a range of up to 40 km using standard projectiles and up to 50 km using rocket projectiles.

The signing of this contract confirms the successful cooperation between Hanwha Aerospace and HSW in the field of artillery systems production. It also highlights the importance of the Krab howitzer to the Polish armed forces and Hanwha Aerospace's ability to provide high-tech components for this system.

Hanwha Defense plans to establish a regional center in Romania to support the production and maintenance of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers

 

           K9 Thunder Self-propelled Howitzers

 
Hanwha Defense has announced plans to establish a regional center in Romania to support the production, maintenance and repair of future K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. This step is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its presence in the European market and strengthen cooperation with Romania in the field of the defense industry.

The facility will be built in Dymbovica county within two years, starting in the first quarter of 2026. The construction of the center will be carried out in cooperation with defense contractors such as Iveco and Pro Optica. This regional center will include production facilities, a maintenance and repair center, as well as infrastructure for staff training.

The project has received support from the Romanian government, which sees in it not only military, but also economic benefits. The establishment of the center will lead to the integration of Romanian enterprises into the global supply chain of Hanwha Defense. This will allow Romania to become a regional hub for all Hanwha terrestrial systems in Europe.

The K9 Thunder is one of the most popular self—propelled howitzers in the world, used in the armies of more than 10 countries, including NATO states. It has a high rate of fire, range and mobility, which makes it an ideal solution for modern artillery units. The production and maintenance of the K9 Thunder in Romania will help localize technology and create jobs in the country.

Vietnam chooses South Korean K9 Thunder: a new stage in defense cooperation

 

 K9 Thunder

In January 2025, it became known about the signing of a historic contract between the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace and the government of Vietnam for the supply of 20 K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. The deal, worth about $300 million, not only strengthens Hanoi's military capabilities, but also marks the first time South Korean weapons have been exported to a communist country, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.  

According to the announced terms, Vietnam will receive a batch of upgraded K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, which are considered one of the most advanced artillery systems in the world. These vehicles are equipped with 155 mm guns with a firing range of up to 40 km, an automated fire control system and increased mobility, which makes them a key element of modern artillery. The contract probably includes training for the Vietnamese military, maintenance and the supply of spare parts, although the exact delivery dates have not yet been disclosed.  

For South Korea, this deal is a breakthrough into the market of countries with a communist regime. Previously, Seoul had focused on democratic partners such as Poland, Norway and Turkey. Exports to Vietnam, where the Communist Party dominates, demonstrate the flexibility of the South Korean defense industry and the desire to strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific region.  

Vietnam, in turn, is actively modernizing its army amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The purchase of the K9 Thunder enhances its artillery fleet, which previously included mostly outdated Soviet and Russian models. It is also a signal of the diversification of military ties: previously, Hanoi cooperated with Russia and China, and now it is looking for alternatives in the West and in Asia.  

The deal is gaining special weight against the backdrop of China's growing influence in the region. Strengthening ties between Seoul and Hanoi can be seen as a step towards balancing forces, although both sides avoid open confrontation with Beijing. For the United States, South Korea's traditional ally, it is also an opportunity to increase pressure on China through partners in Southeast Asia.  

The success of the contract with K9 Thunder can become the basis for expanding military-technical cooperation. Experts do not rule out that Vietnam will be interested in other South Korean developments, such as warships, drones or air defense systems. For Hanwha Aerospace, this is a chance to gain a foothold in a region where demand for advanced weapons is growing due to tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.