Sweden is considering the acquisition of the South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer as part of a review of its artillery forces, seeking to complement the wheeled Archer systems with tracked platforms.
The move responds to the need to operate efficiently in deep snow and rugged terrain, environments in which wheeled solutions face limitations, according to internal documents and defense analyses.
Reports indicate that the Swedish Army is considering the purchase of around 40 howitzers and is studying the formation of two battalion-sized units equipped with the K9. The system, manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace, is already widely used in Northern Europe, which would facilitate interoperability, logistics, and maintenance cooperation with countries such as Norway and Finland.
Analysts highlight that the K9 stands out for its combination of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and rapid delivery, in addition to a proven track record in Nordic climates. Although European alternatives are under evaluation, the K9’s industrial maturity and regional adoption make the model the leading candidate to become Sweden’s next tracked artillery platform.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @ArmyRecognition | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Sweden Seeks New Artillery as South Korea’s K9 Leads Tracked Howitzer Options. pic.twitter.com/WDrjjXerCw
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