Vietnam closer to acquire K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzers from South Korea

 

The K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzer. Photo c/o Hanwha Defense.


Vietnam is reportedly close to signing a deal with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace Co. for the export of as much as 30 units of the K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzers.


This was reported by South Korean media outlets on 21 January 2025, citing industry sources familiar with the transaction indicating that both sides are already in the final stages of negotiations worth around KRW400 billion (US$276 million).


Each K9 Thunder howitzer unit is estimated to be between KRW14 to 20 billion each, which means between 20 to 30 units could be acquired.


Officials from Vietnam’s Defense Ministry lead by Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang visited Hanwha’s facility in South Korea on February 2023, including inspecting the production facility where the K9 Thunder is built, as well as a Republic of Korea Army unit operating the said artillery system.


This was further reinforced when Vietnamese military personnel underwent training on operating and firing the K9 Thunder used by the Republic of Korea Army on November 2024.


Should Vietnam finalize the deal, it would become the 11th country to acquire the highly successful K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers after South Korea, Australia, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, India, Norway, Poland, Romania and Turkey.


It will also Vietnam’s first purchase of a major South Korean-made weapon system.



[1] The Korea Economic Daily

[2] The Korea Herald


Vietnam closer to acquire K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzers from South Korea Vietnam closer to acquire K9 Thunder 155mm self propelled howitzers from South Korea Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 22, 2025 Rating: 5

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