Upgraded South Korean K9 Howitzer Fires 10 Rounds a Minute

By Julian Nettlefold,

The need to outpace and outfight an opposing force has been reinforced by the conflict in Ukraine. The criticality of the deep battle is being re-learnt; range and precision of effects will be key. 

The K9 is a tracked platform allowing genuine, sustained 360-degree firing solutions, delivering consistent, accurate, rapid effect with high rates and volumes of fire, including Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI). 

The K9 is an advanced, 52 calibre, 155mm SPH with high levels of firepower, mobility, serviceability, survivability and automation, delivering accurate, rapid and consistent artillery effects at 40km and beyond with all current Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMOU) ammunitions and with growth for Tactical Guided Munition (TGM), Base Bleed (BB) and Rocket-assisted Projectile (RAP). The artillery is optimal for rapid ‘in to’ and ‘out of’ action, coupled with high levels of tactical mobility and automation. 

The K9 carries 48 rounds, more than many other SPHs, providing a significantly enhanced number of missions. Given there may be a need for a platform to carry several different natures, this increased capacity greatly enhances the number and types of missions an individual platform may conduct. The K9A2 is moreover an artillery game changer, delivering opportunities for novel artillery employment, enabling fast moving, shoot and scoot operations, to enhance survivability and extend battlefield coverage. 

The British variant of K9A2 SPH was be fitted with a full-automatic turret that can handle ammunition feeding, loading, and propellant charge 100% automatically. With the automatic turret, the K9A2 will be capable of firing up to 10 rounds per minute. 

Equipped with innovative Composite Rubber Tracks (CRT), the K9A2 will get the benefits associated with wheels while providing greater mobility than a steel track system when it’s needed most. CRT is said to be up to 50% lighter than steel tracks, increasing the vehicle’s performance whilst benefiting from a lower rolling resistance; an increased top speed; reduced noise and vibrations; and lower fuel consumption. The K10 automated ammunition resupply vehicle utilising human and machine teaming, also extends freedom of action, survivability and mission longevity, particularly in a contested and degraded environment. The K10 will enable ammunition replenishment of the K9A2 in all conditions in a survivable environment.