Models of K9A3 and its control vehicle displayed by Hanwha Aerospace at KADEX 2024. Three unmanned K9A3 artillery systems can be simultaneously controlled from a control vehicle. (Janes/Oishee Majumdar)
Hanwha Aerospace intends to develop an unmanned version of its K9A1 tracked self-propelled howitzers (SPHs).
This version of the K9A1 SPH, named K9A3, will have an extended firing range compared with the K9A1s in service with the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA), a Hanwha Aerospace official told Janes at the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) 2024 held at Gyeryongdae from 2 to 6 October.
The official said a soldier will be able to remotely operate a K9A3, including manoeuvring and firing it, from a control vehicle. Each control vehicle will be able to control three K9A3s simultaneously, the official added.
The K9A3 will have a 58 calibre barrel and a firing range of more than 80 km, the official said. The K9A1s used by the RoKA are an upgraded version of the K9 Thunder SPH and require five crew members, including a driver, to operate.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, the K9A1 uses the same armament as the K9 Thunder but is fitted with improved mission system components including a Microsoft Windows-based operating system. An auxiliary power unit (APU) enables it to have enhanced operational range and performance.
Janes estimates that the RoKA and the RoK Marine Corps together have around 1,300 K9 family of SPHs in service.
Hanwha Aerospace is also developing the K9A2 SPH. The Hanwha Aerospace official said development of the K9A2 is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
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