Hanwha Aerospace’s K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer has solidified its standing as one of the most advanced artillery systems in the world, following a successful live-firing test with the Raytheon M982A1 Excalibur precision-guided extended-range 155mm artillery projectile. Conducted in April at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground near the Arizona-California border, this test marks a critical milestone in the evolution of the K9 platform. The primary goal of the test was to confirm the K9’s compatibility with Excalibur Ib projectiles, specifically aiming at targets nearly 50 kilometers away using various fuze function modes. The outcomes were exceptional. A VIDAR variant of the K9, currently in use by the Norwegian Army, demonstrated unparalleled accuracy by hitting its target with less than a one-meter circular error probability (CEP) in Point Detonating mode. Additionally, in Height of Burst mode, the projectile detonated five meters above the target, ensuring effective destruction. This performance places the K9 among an elite group of artillery systems capable of operating with sophisticated guided munitions like the Excalibur, which has been in use since 2014.
This achievement not only underscores the precision and reliability of the K9 but also highlights Hanwha Aerospace’s ongoing commitment to advancing artillery technology. The integration of the K9 with Excalibur projectiles promises enhanced accuracy and operational flexibility for military forces, reaffirming the K9’s position as a leading self-propelled howitzer in global defense arsenals. The K9 Thunder, initially designed and developed by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development in collaboration with private corporations such as Dongmyeong Heavy Industries, Kia Heavy Industry, Poongsan Corporation, and Samsung Aerospace Industries, is now manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace. The K9 series, which includes the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle variant, is undergoing continuous upgrades, with the entire fleet operated by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces transitioning to the K9A1 variant. Further advancements are on the horizon, as the K9A2 variant undergoes testing for production. As of 2022, the K9 series has captured a 52% share of the global self-propelled howitzer market.
With an eye on the U.S. market, Hanwha Defense USA is positioning the K9 Thunder as a prime candidate to fill the capability gap left by the U.S. Army’s cancellation of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) platform prototype. In response to the Army’s call for companies to demonstrate their existing platforms, Hanwha has showcased the K9’s compatibility with U.S. munitions during a live-fire test at the Yuma Proving Ground in September 2022. The demonstration featured three key events: the automated resupply of U.S. projectiles by the robotic K10 ARV, the firing of M795 projectiles to highlight the K9’s tactical Shoot-and-Scoot capability, and the firing of XM1113 RAP, which confirmed the K9 artillery solution’s interoperability with U.S. munitions and charges. Notably, the K9A1 fired XM1113 RAP to a range exceeding 50 kilometers, further demonstrating the platform’s extended range, shoot-and-scoot capabilities, and high rate of fire. Under the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) framework signed in 2020, these demonstrations assessed the feasibility, performance, and capabilities of Hanwha’s artillery platforms in carrying and firing U.S. munitions.
The M982 Excalibur, previously known as the XM982, epitomizes a significant leap in artillery technology with its 155 mm extended-range guided capabilities. Developed through a collaboration between the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), this advanced munition is manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense and BAE Systems Bofors, among others. With a range spanning 40 to 57 kilometers and a circular error probable (CEP) of just four meters, the Excalibur offers a precision far superior to traditional unguided shells, which can deviate by up to 150 meters at similar ranges. Despite its higher cost—$68,000 per shell compared to $800 for an unguided M777 shell—the Excalibur is more economical than guided rockets like those used in M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS. Its extended range is facilitated by folding glide fins, allowing it to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy. This precision minimizes collateral damage and is particularly useful for engaging targets beyond the reach of conventional artillery or in challenging terrains.
