South Korea unveils K9A3: new autonomous artillery vehicle with 80 km range (YouTube @hanwhaaerospaceofficial)
South Korea has revealed the K9A3, an advanced and optionally unmanned version of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer.
Developed by Hanwha Aerospace, the new model can operate remotely or fully autonomously, both in movement and firing. Key improvements include a 155 mm gun with a 58-caliber barrel, which promises to significantly extend the weapon’s range to up to 80 km with long-range guided munitions.
The K9A3 will also feature a remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine gun capable of neutralizing ground and aerial threats, including drones. Visually, the vehicle appears to have enhanced armor, possibly with composite materials or additional modules.
Hanwha states that the model is not just an upgrade of the K9, but a platform designed to meet operational demands for decades to come, focusing on automation, extended range, and survivability.
The new version is being developed with the international market in mind, especially Europe. Hanwha Defense has announced the creation of a regional center in Romania for production and technical support of the K9 howitzers.
In 2024, the European country signed a contract to acquire the system, joining other NATO members already using the equipment.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: YouTube @hanwhaaerospaceofficial | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Hanwha Aerospace Corporate Film. pic.twitter.com/rl0lo4FIEt
— kf21_military (@fa50_defense) April 29, 2025
