South Korea’s defense giant Hanwha Aerospace has released a new promotional video showcasing the concept of its upcoming K9A3 155mm self-propelled howitzer. The K9 Thunder, originally developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) alongside private corporations like Dongmyeong Heavy Industries, Kia Heavy Industry, Poongsan Corporation, and Samsung Aerospace Industries, has long been a cornerstone of South Korea’s artillery force. Now manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace, the K9 platform operates in tandem with the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle variant —a combination that has proven effective on the battlefield. South Korea’s entire fleet of K9 howitzers is undergoing significant upgrades. The current K9A1 variant represents a marked improvement over the original model, but the next-generation K9A2 is already in testing, with plans for production underway.
The most ambitious project yet is the K9A3—an advanced iteration designed to incorporate cutting-edge unmanned technologies and achieve unprecedented firing ranges. In 2020, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the K9A3 would leverage unmanned turret technology and employ gliding ammunition to achieve a staggering 100 km shooting range. While the feasibility of such a range remains speculative, other advancements are firmly grounded in reality. For instance, ongoing research into ramjet munitions aims to push the maximum range beyond 80 km—a significant leap from the current capabilities of the K9 series.
At the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) 2024, Hanwha Aerospace unveiled a small-scale model of the K9A3, revealing a radical departure from earlier variants in terms of design and functionality.Notably, each K9A3 will be remotely controlled by an operator stationed inside the K11A1 Fire Direction Control Vehicle (FDCV). Each FDCV accommodates three operators and one commanding officer, streamlining command and control operations. To facilitate remote operation, the K9A3 is equipped with LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems for autonomous driving assistance, as well as multiple cameras mounted on the front, sides, and top of the turret. These sensors enable enhanced situational awareness and seamless communication between manned and unmanned assets.
One of the standout features of the K9A3 is its fully unmanned turret, which houses an autoloader system designed to reduce crew workload and increase firing rates. Additionally, the K9A3 sports a longer 58-calibre barrel—a departure from the 52-calibre CN98 barrel used in previous K9 models. This extended barrel, coupled with an expanded chamber volume, is expected to boost the howitzer’s firing range significantly. Specialized ammunition, including reduced explosive charge rounds, will further enhance precision while extending the standard firing range by 5 to 10 km compared to existing variants. According to Hanwha Aerospace, these improvements will allow South Korean artillery units to strike deeper into enemy territory, providing a strategic advantage in contested environments.
Automation lies at the heart of the K9A3’s design philosophy. By reducing the crew size to just two soldiers—one commander and one operator—the system minimizes reliance on personnel while enhancing operational efficiency. Automation not only expedites firing readiness but also accelerates withdrawal after completing a mission, thereby improving survivability on the modern battlefield. Furthermore, the K9A3 is expected to integrate seamlessly with unmanned ground and aerial systems, leveraging network-centric communications and fire control systems to maintain a decisive edge. Reduced logistical demands, combined with increased automation, promise to streamline deployment and sustainment processes.
The K9A3 also boasts upgraded armor, offering superior protection compared to both current and developmental variants like the K9A2. For self-defense and limited anti-aircraft roles, the K9A3 integrates a remotely operated weapon station likely armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. This addition ensures that the vehicle can defend itself against infantry threats or low-altitude aerial targets. While details about the K9A3’s propulsion system remain scarce, future iterations may incorporate hybrid powertrains to improve fuel efficiency and reduce acoustic signatures. Despite its impressive capabilities, the K9A3 is still years away from entering service. Estimates suggest it will begin deployment between 2035 and 2040, following the introduction of the more conservatively designed K9A2.
