South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has concluded acceptance trials for its domestically produced 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, designed for integration into the K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH).
This achievement marks a significant step in enhancing the global market reach of the K9 in the self-propelled artillery segment.
The year-long testing programme was conducted across various nations including South Korea and Egypt, encompassing field trials that spanned more than 10,000km.
These trials were designed to assess the engine’s performance across diverse terrains and road conditions, with a particular focus on desert environments.
In 2022, Hanwha Aerospace secured a $1.7bn contract with Egypt to supply an array of military vehicles, including K9 SPHs, K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and K11 fire control vehicles.
Delivery of the first batch of K9A1EGYs, equipped with the indigenous engine, is anticipated to reach the Egyptian Armed Forces by the first quarter of 2026.
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By GlobalDataThe K9 artillery system is currently in service with ten countries worldwide, including six Nato members.
Weighing in at 47 tonnes, the 155mm/52-calibre K9 SPH is designed for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ tactics, enabling it to fire multiple rounds and then relocate to evade enemy counter-battery fire.
It is claimed to deliver precise and rapid artillery fire at distances exceeding 40km.
Hanwha Aerospace Land Systems Business Group head Kim Dong-hyun said: “With the successful completion of the homegrown engine test, we can offer specialised engine to any potential K9 customers, which is expected to expand K9’s global presence.
“This is part of our efforts to diversify our portfolio meeting the evolving needs of global customers.”
This development follows the shipment of four K9 SPH and eight K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles to Norway in December 2024.
The K10 is the first fully automatic ammunition resupply vehicle built on the K9 howitzer chassis.
The K11 is responsible for managing and directing the firing operations of the K9A1 SPH, with each K11 unit overseeing the control of six K9A1 units.
