SYSTEMS DATABASE / K9 THUNDER
ARTILLERY SYSTEM ACTIVE BATTLE TESTED 92%

K9 Thunder

K9A1/A2

MANUFACTURER Hanwha Aerospace
IN SERVICE 1999
EXPORT CONTRACTS 13 ($18.1B)
SPEED 67 km/h
RANGE 40 km
MASS 47 t
CREW 5
K9 Thunder
K9A1/A2

OVERVIEW

The K9 Thunder is a 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer that has become one of the most exported artillery systems in the world. Over 1,700 units have been produced for South Korea and export customers including Poland, Norway, Finland, Egypt, India, Estonia, Australia, and Romania.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

caliber
155mm L/52
crew
5
weight tonnes
47
max range km
40
rate of fire rpm
6-8 burst, 2-3 sustained
engine
MTU 881 Ka-500 (1000 hp)
max speed kmh
67
ammunition capacity
48

BATTLE TESTED REVIEWS

92
NATO Exercises (Poland) COMBAT PROVEN
2023 | NATO Allied Land Command AAR

Polish K9A1 units demonstrated exceptional reliability during NATO Steadfast Defender exercises, maintaining 95%+ operational readiness across extended cold-weather fire missions. Rapid shoot-and-scoot cycle of under 60 seconds impressed NATO artillery observers.

95% operational readiness in -20°C
60-second shoot-and-scoot cycle
3,000+ rounds fired with zero barrel failures
Seamless integration with NATO fire control
88
Indian Northern Border FIELD PROVEN
2021 | Indian Army Field Reports

K9 Vajra-T units deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh demonstrated reliable performance at high altitude (4,500m+). Desert-optimized variant with air conditioning operated effectively in extreme temperature swings from -30°C to +45°C.

High-altitude deployment at 4,500m+
Operated in -30°C to +45°C range
Desert-optimized cooling system validated
Rapid deployment from garrison to firing position

EXPORT CONTRACTS