South Korea Develops Unmanned Version of K9 Thunder Howitzer

South Korea has presented the concept of K9A3, a next-generation, optionally unmanned version of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer.

The project is being developed by Hanwha Aerospace, which released a video presentation of K9A3.

The system will be capable of operating either remotely or in fully autonomous mode, handling both movement and firing functions.

A key upgrade in K9A3 is a 155 mm gun with a 58-caliber barrel—an improvement over the 52-caliber gun on the original K9 Thunder.

The extended barrel is expected to significantly increase the weapon’s range, potentially reaching 80 kilometers when using precision-guided long-range ammunition.

The turret of K9A3 will also feature a remotely operated 12.7 mm machine gun for engaging ground and aerial threats, including drones.

Based on the visual materials released, the vehicle appears to have reinforced armor, possibly consisting of add-on modules or composite materials integrated into the hull.

Hanwha describes K9A3 not as a simple upgrade but as a platform designed to meet the operational needs of the coming decades.

“It is fully automated, fires at long distances, and offers enhanced survivability to meet new doctrinal and operational requirements,” the company said.

K9A3 is likely being developed with export markets in mind, including Europe.

Hanwha Defense has announced plans to establish a regional hub in Romania to support the production, maintenance, and repair of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers.

In 2024, Romania signed a contract to procure K9 Thunder, joining other NATO countries already operating the system.

“Our priority is to supply K9 and K10, but with several such vehicles already in use across NATO and Europe, we aim to produce components and carry out support work here in Romania,” the company stated.