Hanwha K9 Thunder / K9A2

The K9 Thunder is a tracked 155 mm/52-cal SP howitzer, developed by Samsung Aerospace (later Hanwha) in the 1990s. 47 tons, MTU 881 Ka-500 engine (1,000 hp), 67 km/h. Main weapon K10 barrel (52-cal), max fire rate 6 rounds/min, sustained 2–3/min. Range comparable to PzH 2000. K9A2 adds a fully automatic loading system (reducing crew to 3), a new BMS, and improved mobility. Unmatched export success: since the 2010s the K9 has been the most exported SP howitzer in the world thanks to good price/performance and short delivery times. Users: Poland (672 K9PL, USD 6.8 billion 2022 — the largest artillery deal ever), Estonia (24), Finland (96 used), India (K9 Vajra under license, 100 vehicles), Egypt (local production), Australia (AS9 Huntsman, 30 + 26 K10 ammo vehicles, AUD 1.3 billion), Norway (24), Turkey (T-155 Fırtına under license, ~500), Romania, UAE (interest in 2024).