Australia has placed an order for 30 K-9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and 15 K-10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles from South Korea under a contract valued $720 million.
The announcement came more than a year after Hanwha Defense was named the sole preferred bidder for an Australian artillery gun procurement project. The contract was signed between the nation’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and Hanwha Defense Australia on Monday.
“The Morrison Government has announced a A$1 billion defense contract for new Self-Propelled Howitzers for the Australian Army has been awarded to Hanwha Defense Australia. Based in Greater Geelong, the contract will procure Self-Propelled Howitzers and Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 project. The Government committed to this project in May 2019,” the Australian government announced on December 13, 2021.
Minister for Defense, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said this initial contract covers 30 Self-Propelled Howitzers, 15 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, and weapon locating radars that help find enemy artillery, collectively referred to as the Huntsman family of vehicles.
“The prime ability of the new vehicles is to fire and move quickly, avoiding enemy counter-attack. This project will mean a significant increase in the level of firepower and security for Australian artillery capability,” Minister for Defense Peter Dutton said.
Seoul is also has been reportedly in talks with Egypt to export the howitzer there.
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