D
Land ForcesSouth Korea

K9 Thunder

155 mm self-propelled howitzerIn serviceFielded 1999Pending verification
Land ForcesKOR
K9 Thunder
Photo: 권순삼, 국방시민연대 (Defense Citizen Network) · CC BY-SA 2.0 kr, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type155 mm self-propelled howitzer
Date of introduction1999
ProliferationAt least 9 countries
ManufacturerHanwha Land SystemsMed[1]
Crew5Med[1]
Emplacement time30 secondsMed[1]
Displacement time30 secondsMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.4 m11 ftMed[1]
Combat weight46.3 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
EngineMTU MT 881 Ka-500Med[1]
Engine power1,000 hpMed[1]
Cruising range360 km224 mi · 194 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed67 km/h42 mph · 36 ktMed[1]
Fording depth, without Preparation1.5 mMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorThe hull has a maximum thickness of 19 mm and is built from steel armor. This provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and HE 155 mm projectile fragments.Med[1]
Turret ArmorSteel ArmorMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Armament
Secondary armament1 × roof mounted 12.7 mm M2 HB Machine GunMed[1]
Maximum firing range40 km25 mi · 22 nmiLongest-range ammunition listedMed[1]
Variants
K9A1The K9A1 uses the same armament as the K9 thunder but is fitted with improved mission system components with a windows based operational system. An auxiliary power unit (APU) also helps to optimize operational range and [1]
K9 Vajra-TThe K9 Vajra-T is the Indian manufactured variant of the K9 and is in service with the Indian Army, with 50% of its components are manufactured in India.[1]
AS9 HuntsmanThe AS9 Huntsman is an Australian version of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer.[1]
K10The K10 is an ammunition resupply vehicle designed to extend the length of time that an SPH can provide fire support during combat.[1]
K77The K77 FDCV is designed to provide a K9 battery with a modern command-and-control (C2) vehicle to better co-ordinate fire missions and improve the integration of a battery within an armoured unit.[1]
KrabThe Krab is an SPH developed in Poland with the assistance of multiple companies from around the world.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 2Confidence · Source
HE155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
18 km11 mi · 10 nmi
Quantity
48 rounds
Muzzle velocity
INA
Warhead
6.62 kg of cast TNT or 6.985 kg of Composition B, the former produces approximately 1,950 fragments
HE ER FB BB155 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
40 km25 mi · 22 nmi
Quantity
48 rounds
Muzzle velocity
928 m/s
Summary

The can fire its first round within 30 seconds from the moment it first receives firing information from the Fire Direction Center (FDC) while in emplaced situation. While moving, it can fire after 60 seconds.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
AustraliaSpainEstoniaFinlandIndiaSouth KoreaNorwayPolandTürkiye
Sources
  1. K9 Thunder South Korean 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-04 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-05 Added photo (CC BY-SA 2.0 kr)