Vietnam Set to Acquire 20-30 K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems from South Korea

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Vietnam is on the verge of becoming the latest customer for the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer system, with reports indicating the Southeast Asian nation is set to procure 30 units of the artillery system developed by South Korea.

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace Co is expected to finalize a $276 million (RM1.2 billion) deal to supply between 20 and 30 K9 Thunder systems to Vietnam.

Each K9 Thunder unit is estimated to cost between $9.7 million (RM43 million) and $14 million (RM63 million), according to sources cited by South Korean media.

Should the speculation about Vietnam’s acquisition prove accurate, it will mark the first procurement of South Korean-made weaponry by the Southeast Asian country.

In February last year, Vietnam’s Minister of Defence reportedly visited South Korea to gain firsthand insights into the capabilities of the K9 Thunder system.

The procurement talks gained further momentum when a contingent of Vietnamese military personnel was sent to South Korea for operational and maintenance training on the K9 howitzers.

Many analysts and observers believe Vietnam intends to deploy the K9 Thunder systems along its border with China.

Tensions between Vietnam and China, which share a border, are often heightened due to disputes over the South China Sea.

Beijing has frequently deployed its coast guard vessels to disrupt Hanoi’s oil and gas exploration activities with foreign partners in Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

If the deal materializes, Vietnam will become the 11th operator of the K9 Thunder system globally.

Since 2001, Hanwha Aerospace has exported the K9 Thunder to countries including Türkiye, Poland, Finland, India, Norway, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania.

India, which initially procured 100 K9 units in 2017, recently purchased an additional 100 units.

To date, Hanwha Aerospace Co has sold over 1,300 K9 Thunder units worldwide, commanding an estimated 50 percent share of the global self-propelled howitzer market.

K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzer Specifications:

1. Type: Self-propelled howitzer.

2. Caliber: 155mm.

3. Maximum Range: Up to 40 km (standard rounds), 50+ km (special rounds).

4. Rate of Fire:

   • 3 rounds in 15 seconds (rapid-fire).

   • 6-8 rounds per minute (standard mode).

5. Engine: 1,000 hp diesel.

6. Maximum Speed: 67 km/h (paved roads), 40 km/h (off-road).

7. Operational Range: Up to 480 km.

8. Crew: 5 personnel.

9. Fire Control System: Fully digital.

10. Protection Capability: High-level ballistic protection against small arms and artillery shrapnel.

The K9 Thunder is designed to provide robust fire support and operational flexibility across a wide range of combat scenarios.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA