South Korean K9 Howitzer Dominates Global Artillery Market, Poised for Further Growth | Be Korea-savvy

South Korean K9 Howitzer Dominates Global Artillery Market, Poised for Further Growth


South Korea's K9 self-propelled howizer (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

South Korea’s K9 self-propelled howitzer (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s K9 self-propelled howitzer, already a global bestseller, is positioned to expand its market reach even further, commanding approximately half of the world’s self-propelled artillery export market.

Industry sources and international defense organizations report that while exact statistics vary due to the confidential nature of defense contracts, the K9′s market share consistently hovers around 50%. According to domestic industry data as of November 2024, the K9 has captured 52% of the 155mm self-propelled howitzer market since 2000.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that between 2000 and 2017, 527 units of the K9 were sold, representing 48% of global self-propelled howitzer exports. This surpassed the combined sales of its competitors: Germany’s PzH2000 (189 units), France’s CAESAR (175 units), and China’s PLZ-45 (128 units).

The K9′s success is attributed to its combat-proven performance, competitive pricing, rapid delivery capabilities, and robust maintenance support. The artillery system has demonstrated its effectiveness in actual combat situations, including the Yeonpyeong Island artillery exchange, reflecting its development in the world’s only divided nation.

Its high production volume has enabled economies of scale, making it price competitive. While the German PzH2000 slightly outperforms the K9 in range and firing rate, it reportedly costs four times as much and faces slower production rates.

Market research firm Spherical Insights projects the global artillery market, including self-propelled howitzers like the K9, to grow from $33 billion in 2023 to $78.8 billion by 2033. The firm lists Hanwha Aerospace, the K9′s manufacturer, as the leading producer in the sector.

Citing the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), researchers Woo Je-woong and Jung Sang-yun from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) reported that of the approximately 18,000 self-propelled howitzers currently in service worldwide, 6,402 are modernized units, 6,479 are older models, and 5,186 have exceeded their service life.

The K9′s development began in 1989, with deployment starting in 1999. Its first export to Turkey in 2001 paved the way for subsequent orders from Poland, India, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania.

The enhanced K9A1 version, featuring an auxiliary power unit and automated fire control system, was deployed in 2018. Development of the K9A2, incorporating electric gun and turret drive systems and automated ammunition loading, is underway. The K9A3, planned for the 2030s, will feature manned-unmanned teaming capabilities, remote firing, and a range exceeding 70km.

Despite the emergence of new weapons like drones in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, traditional artillery remains crucial. KIDA researchers note that while field artillery is centuries old, it remains relevant due to its cost-effectiveness, all-weather capability, operational flexibility, and rapid firing response.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com) 

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