The concepts were presented at the fifth K9 User Club in Tartu, Estonia, from Sept. 2 to 4. More than 200 military and industry representatives from seven K9 user nations, South Korea, Estonia, Poland, Norway, Finland, Romania and Australia attended, along with observers from Spain and Sweden.
“The K9 has established itself as an outstanding and highly capable artillery system. Its performance, reliability, and operational capabilities have earned the trust of a growing number of NATO allies and partner nations,” said Major General Viktor Kalnitski, Deputy Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces.
Under the new operating concept, vertical takeoff and landing drones can detect and track targets, generate coordinates and transmit them directly to the K9 fire-direction system. The drones can also remain over the target area to observe impacts and conduct battle damage assessments.
Hanwha said the system is designed to shorten the “sensor-to-shooter” cycle and reduce reliance on forward observers operating in exposed positions.
The company also outlined wheeled artillery concepts incorporating K9A2 technologies, including its fully automated turret, building on Hanwha Defense USA's recent selection for the U.S. Army's Mobile Tactical Cannon prototype program.
Hanwha also introduced its TOMMS digital support platform, which helps K9 operators manage spare-parts orders and deliveries. The company plans to use maintenance and operational data to anticipate parts needs and keep more vehicles ready for service.
“The K9 User Club has become much more than an annual gathering,” said Peter JK Bae, senior executive vice president and head of Hanwha Aerospace's MRO Business Division.
More than 2,400 K9-family systems have been ordered by over 10 countries worldwide, according to Hanwha. Australia is scheduled to host the next K9 User Club in 2027.
AJP Takeaways
· Hanwha unveiled a next-generation K9 concept integrating fire-guidance drones to speed up targeting and battlefield response.
· Wheeled K9 variants are also under development, building on Hanwha Defense USA’s selection for the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon program.
· More than 2,400 K9-family systems have been ordered worldwide, with Australia set to host the next K9 User Club in 2027.
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