Australian Army fields AS9 Huntsman in exercise for first time

Personnel from 106 Battery, 4 RAA, alongside AS9s at a parade marking the introduction of the Australian Army's first protected mobile fires battery at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. (Commonwealth of Australia)

The Australian Army has deployed its locally built AS9 Huntsman 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer (SPH) in a field exercise for the first time, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) announced on 20 August.

According to the DoD, the AS9 participated in Exercise ‘Pozieres Run', a 1st (Australian) Division activity held at the Townsville Field Training Area in Queensland from 30 July to 23 August.

Personnel from the 3rd Brigade's 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery (4 RAA), tested the platform in a series of integrated training activities during the exercise, according to the DoD. The regiment is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Frewin, commanding officer of 4 RAA, said the transition from towed artillery to a self-propelled platform would enhance the regiment's capabilities and provide commanders with greater operational flexibility.

According to Lt Col Frewin, the AS9 offers greater mobility and responsiveness than the in-service M777 towed howitzer, while improving the brigade's fire-support capabilities.

“It comes out of a hide to a firing position in seconds, fires off rounds faster than the M777, and moves very quickly back into a hide, and that means if an enemy does identify us, they are unable to respond in time before the AS9 has already moved to a new position,” Lt Col Frewin said.

Earlier in August 2026, a ceremonial parade at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville formally brought 106 Battery, 4 RAA, into service as the Australian Army's first protected mobile fires battery. The battery had received six AS9 SPHs and one AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle.