Poland receives new batch of K9A1 howitzers from South Korea

By Defence Industry Europe

The Polish Armament Agency announced on December 17 via social media that a new batch of K9A1 self-propelled howitzers from South Korean tech giant Hanwha Aerospace has arrived in Poland. These advanced artillery systems will soon be integrated into the Polish Armed Forces, bringing their total number of K9A1 systems to 66. — Photo: Armament Agency (Polish Ministry of National Defence).

The Polish Armament Agency announced on December 17 via social media that a new batch of 18 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers from South Korean tech giant Hanwha Aerospace has arrived in Poland. These advanced artillery systems will soon be integrated into the Polish Armed Forces, bringing their total number of K9A1 systems to 66.

This latest delivery is part of a significant contract signed in August 2022, under which Hanwha Aerospace agreed to supply the Polish Ministry of National Defence with 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers. Spanning from 2022 to 2026, the deal is valued at USD 2.4 billion.

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Adding to their arsenal, Poland signed another substantial contract with Hanwha on December 1, 2023. This USD 2.6 billion agreement will see the Polish Armed Forces receiving six K9A1 and 146 K9PL howitzers. The K9PL variant represents a localized version of the K9A1, equipped with subsystems provided by the Polish defence industry. This contract not only involves the procurement of hardware but also includes the transfer of technology and expertise to the Polish sector. Specific details of this future cooperation between Poland and the South Korean company have yet to be disclosed.

Both contracts encompass the supply of large quantities of 155mm artillery ammunition, spare parts, and a comprehensive training and logistics package.

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