Hanwha Aerospace: Hanwha Aerospace, a company from South Korea, is close to signing a deal worth 400 billion won (around $276 million) to sell 20 to 30 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam. According to industry sources, the two sides are finalizing the details, such as the delivery schedule and other specific terms. The price of each K9 howitzer is estimated to be between 14 and 20 billion won. If this deal goes through, it will be the first time Vietnam buys weapons made in Korea.
In early 2023, Vietnam’s defense ministry evaluated the K9 howitzer, and by November, its military personnel were trained to operate, fire, and maintain the system. The K9 Thunder is a type of artillery system that can move on its own and is produced by Hanwha Aerospace.
Reason for Vietnam’s interest in this weapon is its territorial dispute with China, which has also influenced the Philippines to strengthen its military. The Philippines plans to buy 12 FA-50 fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries. Both Vietnam and the Philippines are dealing with tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
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Vietnam is focusing on strengthening its land forces because it shares a border with China. Analysts also believe the US plays a role in encouraging Vietnam to strengthen its military, as part of its strategy to counter China’s influence in the region. The US is considering including Vietnam, South Korea, and New Zealand in the Quad, a security group currently consisting of the US, India, Australia, and Japan.
According to The Korea Economic Daily, if this deal is finalized, Vietnam will become the 11th country to use the K9 howitzer. Since 2001, Hanwha has sold K9 howitzers to several countries, including Turkey, Poland, India, Finland, and Australia. So far, about 1,300 units have been sold globally, making up more than half of the market for self-propelled howitzers. Countries like India, Finland, and Norway have even ordered additional units after their initial purchases.
Hanwha is also benefiting from changes in the K9’s design. Since September 2023, the company has been using engines made in Korea by STX Engine Co., instead of German engines. This change removes restrictions that required German government approval for exports, which previously caused deals, like one with the UAE in 2020, to fall through.
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With these new engines, Hanwha is now targeting the Middle East as a new market for the K9 howitzers. It has already signed a contract with Egypt and plans to start mass production soon. Other Middle Eastern countries are also considering purchasing these advanced artillery systems.
