
Vietnam is likely to be interested in procuring the K9 to replace its inventory of ageing towed howitzers. (Hanwha Aerospace)
South Korea and Vietnam are negotiating a contract to support the Vietnam People's Army's (VPA's) procurement of Hanwha Aerospace's K9 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer (SPH).
Janes understands that a deal to enable Vietnam's K9 acquisition is progressing through government channels, but details have not been disclosed.
A Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson told Janes on 22 January that a potential contract is under negotiation and is progressing through a Seoul-Hanoi government-to-government agreement.
Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reportedly expressed a requirement in April 2024 to procure more than 100 K9s. Vietnam MND officials visited Hanwha's K9 facility in South Korea one year earlier to review the platform as part of its procurement evaluations.
It is likely that the MND requires the K9 to replace the VPA's 155 mm M114 and 105 mm M101 towed howitzers, which have been operational since the early 1970s.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence , the K9 is powered by a German 1,000 hp MTU MT 881 Ka-500 V8 water-cooled diesel engine and driven by a fully automatic US-origin Allison transmission.
Operated by a five-man crew, the 47 tonne K9 is capable of firing projectiles to ranges between 18 and 40 km. It has a top road speed of 67 km/h and an operational range of 360 km. It can ford to a depth of 1.5 m and climb a 60% gradient and a 0.75 m vertical obstacle.
For more information, please seeK9 155 mm/52 calibre tracked SPH .
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