Participants include seven K9 user nations—South Korea, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, and Romania—alongside observers from the United States and Sweden. Defence industry delegates from Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Poland also joined to explore enhanced cooperation.
Colonel Wojciech Dalka, Chief of the Equipment and Development Branch at the Polish Armed Forces, welcomed attendees, stating, “As the nation fielding the largest fleet of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers within NATO, Poland is proud to host this esteemed gathering.” He added that the event reflects a “shared commitment to strengthening interoperability, enhancing capability development, and advancing operational effectiveness.”
Vice President Cho Sang-hwan, Head of MRO Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, highlighted the event’s growing significance. “This is the biggest K9 User Club event since the launch of the user community in 2022, with much greater attention to the K9’s operational effectiveness and interoperability among the allied nations,” he said.
The first day of the meeting featured presentations from each nation on their experiences with the K9 system. South Korean representatives outlined future advancements, including autonomous features and manned-unmanned teaming technologies.
Hanwha Aerospace introduced its AI-driven MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) platform, TOMMS, which enables real-time equipment monitoring and mobile support services. The platform is designed to enhance maintainability and readiness, regardless of time or location.
Day two will include breakout sessions focusing on operations, maintenance, training, and ammunition compatibility. On the final day, attendees will visit the Huta Stalowa Wola artillery plant and the 18th Artillery Brigade in Nowa Dęba to witness the K9’s deployment in the field.
Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense, expressed his appreciation for the host nation. “I’m glad to see that the largest K9 User Club to date – a hub for sharing knowledge and operational experience – is taking place today in Poland, a country not only a strategic partner for Korea, but above all, a pioneer in modernising its armed forces,” he said.
The K9 “Thunder” is the world’s most widely deployed 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer, with over 1,800 units in active service. Operated by countries including South Korea, Poland, Finland, India, and Türkiye, the K9 is known for its high mobility, extended range, and precision fire capability.
Future variants of the K9 are being developed to incorporate fully automated turrets, improved firepower, and enhanced survivability. These efforts reflect Hanwha Aerospace’s commitment to digitalisation and next-generation land systems.
Founded in 1977, Hanwha Aerospace is a global defence and aerospace company offering systems ranging from armoured vehicles to space launch integration. The firm continues to play a leading role in advancing military technology across land, sea, air, and space domains.
