K9A1 Thunder. Photo: Facebook / SztabGenWP
For the first time, the Polish military deployed the South Korean-made self-propelled howitzers K9A1 Thunder in international drills held in Estonia. These artillery systems were transported to the Estonian training ground as part of the AKKTULI-24 maneuvers.
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These powerful howitzers, produced by Hanwha Defense, were assigned to Poland’s 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade. In addition to the Polish systems, Estonian military forces also participated in the training with their own versions of the cannons, the K9EST Thunder.
The main objective of the exercise was to test the skills of the soldiers in training, as well as update the knowledge of reservists returning to service. “An additional benefit was the opportunity to practice cooperation with the Polish artillerymen, with whom we are collaborating in this way for the first time,” the Estonian military stated.
Poland already operates 108 K9A1 Thunder howitzers out of a total of 218 ordered units. The most recent delivery, with 12 units, took place on October 7. In 2022, the Polish government signed a framework agreement with Hanwha Defense for the acquisition of 672 howitzers, of which 212 in the K9A1 variant were produced in South Korea.
These artillery systems are to be delivered between 2022 and 2026, with plans to upgrade them to the K9PL version, developed in partnership between the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Hanwha Defense. Starting in 2026, Poland is expected to produce about 460 howitzers directly at its own facilities, in the K9PL version.
In addition to the cannons, the contract includes K10 ARV and K11 FDCV support vehicles, which ensure automated ammunition resupply for the howitzers. The main difference in the Polish vehicles will be the integrated C2 control and positioning system, as well as the TOPAZ automatic fire control kit, designed to work with Polish command vehicles.
These exercises demonstrate Poland’s growing firepower and the increasingly close military cooperation between Baltic countries and their allies.
Source: Facebook / SztabGenWP – mil.in.ua. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
