Hanwha Completes Testing of K9 Howitzer Domestic Engine

South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has wrapped up acceptance trials of a domestically-developed 1000-horsepower engine for the K9 self-propelled howitzer.

The year-long trials took place in South Korea, Egypt, and other countries.

They included extensive field trials of over 10,000 kilometers (6,214 miles) of driving tests in diverse environments and road conditions, including deserts.

South Korea’s STX Engine has developed the engine, which is said to have improved performances over the existing German MTU diesel engine built under license by STX Engine.

The domestic engine is reportedly lighter and more fuel efficient.

Enhanced Export Potential

Moreover, it can be customized as per requirements and exported without approval from foreign countries, boosting the howitzer’s export potential.

“With the successful completion of the homegrown engine test, we can offer specialized engines to any potential K9 customers, which is expected to expand K9’s global presence,” Head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace Kim Dong-hyun said.

“This is part of our efforts to diversify your portfolio meeting the evolving needs of global customers.”

First Customer

The engine will be fitted on the hundreds of K9s Egypt procured in 2022 for $1.7 billion.

Also procured are K10 ammunition resupply vehicles and K11 fire control vehicles. 

The first batch of K9A1EGY (Egyptian version) is expected to be delivered to the country in the first quarter of 2026.

The K9 is in service with ten countries worldwide, including six in NATO.

It is capable of striking targets at ranges of over 40 kilometers (25 miles) and is optimized for “shoot and scoot” capability to avoid counter-battery fire.