Hanwha Aerospace completes testing of indigenous engine for K9 self-propelled howitzer

The testing programme, conducted over the past year in South Korea, Egypt, and other locations, involved more than 10,000 kilometres of field trials. These tests assessed engine performance in various environments and road conditions, including desert terrain.

Kim Dong-hyun, Head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, noted the potential impact of this development. “With the successful completion of the homegrown engine test, we can offer a specialised engine to any potential K9 customers, which is expected to expand K9’s global presence,” he said.

Hanwha Aerospace has been working to diversify its product offerings to meet the changing requirements of international defence customers. In 2022, the company signed a $1.7 billion contract with Egypt to supply K9 SPHs, K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and K11 fire control vehicles.

The first batch of K9A1EGY howitzers equipped with the new engine is expected to be delivered to Egypt by the first quarter of 2026. The introduction of this domestically built engine could contribute to the K9’s continued adoption by military forces worldwide.

The K9 artillery system is currently in service with 10 countries, including six NATO members. It is designed for long-range, high-rate fire support, with a range exceeding 40 kilometres, and is optimised for ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics to enhance battlefield survivability.