South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace is steering its world-renowned K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer into a new direction – literally. The company has begun production of a wheeled variant of the iconic artillery system, signaling a transformative leap in the global defense landscape.
The newly developed wheeled K9, derived from the upgraded K9A2 155mm self-propelled howitzer, is designed to enhance operational flexibility for forces operating in regions with robust road networks. Unlike the original tracked K9, this version can be mounted on various heavy truck chassis making it a “truck-agnostic” system tailored to customer needs.
At the heart of the upgrade lies the 58-caliber gun barrel, stretching an impressive 9 meters (29.5 feet) – the longest artillery barrel ever built. This extended design isn’t just for show; it grants the weapon an exceptional firing range of over 70 kilometers (43 miles), nearly double that of standard 155mm howitzers. As Hanwha noted, the development reflects its commitment to meeting the “growing demand for high-mobility, long-range artillery” as modern battlefields evolve toward faster, networked operations.
This breakthrough comes after Hanwha’s loss to KNDS’ RCH 155 in the UK’s Multi-Role Artillery System (MRAS) competition earlier in 2025. Determined to bounce back, Hanwha initiated development of the wheeled K9 variant in mid-2024 to strengthen its position in future international defense programs particularly those in the United States.
Hanwha’s American arm, Hanwha Defense USA, is positioning the new model to meet the U.S. Army’s modernization goals for its aging 155mm artillery fleet. The company is one of five selected to demonstrate advanced self-propelled howitzer technologies under the Army’s long-term modernization effort.
In line with this, Hanwha submitted the wheeled K9 in response to a U.S. Army request for information (RFI) for a mobile tactical cannon. The firm also emphasized its flexibility to adapt the tracked version for American specifications.
“We’re absolutely committed to U.S. jobs and capacity,” said Jason Pak, Senior Director of Business Development for Land Systems at Hanwha Defense USA. “We can offer rapid initial K9 delivery coming out of Korea if needed, followed immediately by full production and sustainment in the U.S.”
To strengthen this promise, Hanwha has pledged to establish domestic production and supply chains in the United States fully aligning with the Pentagon’s strategy to boost local defense manufacturing. The company is also developing a U.S.-specific fire control system and future-proofing the K9 for upcoming upgrades.
Hanwha’s pivot toward wheeled systems reflects its ambition to compete head-to-head with European and American artillery makers in the high-precision, long-range sector. The timing is notable especially after the U.S. Army scaled back its Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program due to technical issues such as excessive barrel wear and rising costs.
With its reliable 58-caliber gun, Hanwha now offers a capable alternative for armies seeking extended-range firepower without the challenges faced by ERCA.
The K9 platform already serves over nine countries, including South Korea, Poland, Australia, Norway, and Finland, establishing its reputation as one of the most successful artillery systems in the world. The wheeled variant aims to build on that legacy, offering a next-generation solution for rapid, adaptable fire support across varied terrains.