The new K9MH self-propelled gun: a wheeled modification of the legendary K9 Thunder
A model of the future K9MH self-propelled howitzer at an exhibition. Photo: European Defence Review
By now, the South Korean industry has developed a number of modifications of the self-propelled artillery K9 Thunder installations. Almost all similar projects involved replacing individual components and systems while maintaining the overall architectural design. Now, development is underway on the new K9MH self-propelled gun, which will be the first in its family to feature a new wheeled chassis and corresponding operational capabilities.
At the design stage
According to available information, the development of a wheeled version of the K9 self-propelled gun has been discussed since at least the second half of the 2010s. The South Korean military and industry have taken note of a number of foreign similar projects and are considering developing their own.
The decision was made only in 2024. Soon after, the Defense Development Agency (ADD) of the Ministry of Defense and Hanwha Aerospace developed the technical design of the new self-propelled gun and prepared the necessary documentation. The project was submitted to the military department for analysis and decision.
In October of that year, at the KADEX 2024 exhibition in Seoul, a mockup of the future self-propelled gun was unveiled for the first time. Some of the new project's goals and features, including the desired performance level, were also revealed. Promotional materials and announcements focused on increased mobility and other advantages of the new chassis.
In December 2024, the South Korean Ministry of Defense approved the new project. It issued an official order for the development of a promising self-propelled gun. The product was officially designated K9MH, denoting both the original design and the significant modifications.
According to available information, ADD and Hanwha are currently developing a new project. Despite the extensive use of existing components and systems, the K9MH requires the creation of new devices and components. However, the current stage of the project is planned for completion in the near future.
Another model of self-propelled gun. Judging by the color, the advertisement is aimed at the Middle East. Photo: Armyrecognition.com
Thus, it was previously reported that a prototype of the new self-propelled gun could be built no later than 2027. Its testing will begin at that time. The new chassis will be tested at the proving ground and the calculated mobility and agility characteristics will be confirmed. Fire tests are also expected to demonstrate the key performance characteristics and compatibility of the existing turret with the new chassis.
Depending on the progress of such work and the presence or absence of any obstacles, all work on the advanced self-propelled gun could be completed by the end of the current decade. The K9MH could enter service with the South Korean army in 2030. Its entry into the international market is also expected at that time.
Proven solutions
The K9MH project is based on ideas and solutions well-known from a number of other modern wheeled self-propelled gun projects. ADD and Hanwha Aerospace avoided investing time and effort in radical innovations, thereby achieving the ability to meet all customer requirements. At the same time, the new project utilizes the latest available technologies.
The new self-propelled gun has a traditional architecture for such vehicles. It is based on an existing four-axle automobile chassis. It is equipped with an armored crew cabin, behind which an additional equipment compartment is mounted. A combat module/turret with weapons is located in the rear. The turret platform is equipped with hydraulic jacks.
Apparently, the new self-propelled gun will be based on the KM1500 chassis from Kia Corp. This vehicle is widely used in the Korean Army and is used to carry various weapons or special add-ons. This allows vehicles with a total weight of at least 40 tons to be built, and also ensures high road mobility and sufficient off-road capability.
The developer reports that the self-propelled gun's maximum road speed will reach 100 km/h. Its cruising range will be increased to 700 km or more. In these characteristics, the wheeled combat vehicle will outperform existing tracked K9 models of various modifications.
A K9 self-propelled howitzer during training exercises. Photo courtesy of the South Korean Ministry of Defense.
The K9MH's combat module will be borrowed from the existing K9A2 project. It's worth noting that the "A2" upgrade includes a fully automated, remotely controlled turret. This combat module is proposed to be mounted in the rear of the wheeled chassis. All crew workstations will remain in the cockpit, and all operations will be performed without direct human intervention.
The new turret will be equipped with an upgraded version of the 155mm Hyundai WIA CN98 cannon. It features a 52-caliber rifled barrel with a sophisticated muzzle brake, ejector, and semiautomatic breech. The updated cannon features an increased service life and a number of minor improvements. An automatic loader with 40-round magazines is being developed for the combat module.
The K9MH will be equipped with a modern fire control system with all necessary components and modes. It will allow the crew to quickly prepare the self-propelled gun for fire, receive and calculate firing data, and directly control the combat module. Moreover, its firing performance will be at least as good as that of existing K9 modifications.
The self-propelled gun is expected to fire at a rate of up to 6-8 rounds per minute. Firing range depends on the ammunition used. By using the most advanced projectiles, this range is planned to be increased to 45-50 km.
With clear benefits
The goals and objectives of the K9MH project are clear. The South Korean Ministry of Defense wants a new self-propelled artillery system with a distinctive combination of characteristics. The wheeled chassis is expected to improve mobility and operational performance, while the modernized unmanned turret is expected to enhance key firing parameters.
The K9MH is expected to be fielded by the ground forces and complement the existing fleet of tracked K9s of all serial modifications. This is expected to give cannon artillery new operational capabilities and make it a more flexible weapon.
The fighting compartment of the K9A2 self-propelled gun. In the foreground, the automatic loader feeds a shell. Photo by Hanwha Aerospace
First and foremost, the new self-propelled gun will simplify the deployment of units and subunits, including over long distances. Wheeled combat vehicles will be able to independently cover the required route, without the need for tractors and tank-carrying trailers. This will not compromise the vehicle's service life or create any difficulties with subsequent maintenance.
The new automatic turret will offer clear advantages. It will be armed with a modern 155mm gun with relatively high performance. Furthermore, the automatic loader will eliminate the human factor and improve combat performance. The modern fire control system will also improve its performance.
Simplifying crew operations is an important factor. Gunners will perform all key operations without leaving the protected cabin. The use of remote controls and actuators will improve response time and provide other advantages. At the same time, the crew will remain protected by armor at all times.
It's worth noting that the new K9MH design primarily utilizes readily available components. For example, the KM1500 chassis has long been in serial production, while the automated turret is being developed as part of a previously launched project. The K9MH self-propelled gun requires a limited number of components and capabilities, which should positively impact the design process, production complexity, and other aspects.
Expectations and Reality
Overall, the new project's customers and contractors are optimistic and expect all necessary work to be completed within the established timeframe. Then, by the end of the decade, the new self-propelled gun will be ready to enter service and positively impact the capabilities of the South Korean ground forces.
However, at this stage, the possibility of unforeseen factors and difficulties cannot be ruled out. Whether such problems can be avoided or resolved quickly will become clear in the near future. A prototype of the new self-propelled gun is planned to be sent to the proving grounds as early as next year.
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