What we know about Romanian Thunder. The version of the K9 howitzers that Romania will have will have the most modern technical specifications

K9 Thunder; K9 self-propelled howitzer. Photo source: DefenseRomania courtesy of Hanwha

K9 Thunder is the Romanian version promoted by Hanwha.

The Ministry of Defense is finalizing the last details before announcing the winner in the competition to provide the Romanian Army with 155 mm self-propelled howitzers.

What we know is that the South Korean manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace is the only company left in the competition, currently the discussions have progressed being in the last phase of clarifications and it would not be excluded that the agreement will be concluded this month, in the context in which Bucharest will have BSDA 2024 exhibition place.

The program provides for the purchase of 3 howitzer systems (3 x 18 155 mm howitzers + ammunition + logistical support).

Romania will have the most modern technical specifications of the K9 self-propelled howitzer

Howitzer K9 Thunder (Tunet) of 155 mm. Photo source: DefenseRomania

At the end of last month DefenseRomania participated in a visit to Hanwha’s production facilities in Korea, during which representatives of the Korean giant also discussed the K9 howitzers and the Redback combat vehicles.

In a discussion with Peter Bae, vice president of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, our publication was also interested in the K9 version that Romania will acquire. For easy to understand reasons related to contractual confidentiality, in the context in which the contract was not signed, the Hanwha representative summarized the fact that Romania will have the most modern technical specifications of the K9.

“What I can tell you is that Romania’s K9 howitzers will be delivered with the most modern technical specifications,” said Peter Bae.

Hanwha representatives also added that the involvement of the domestic defense industry and the transfer of technology is a goal of the company that is not limited by the procedure of procurement, auction and offset bonds or G2G (government to government) contract.

We remind you that with regard to the purchase of howitzers, Romania chose the tender procedure.

During the meeting, those from Hanwha Aerospace reiterated the intention of the Korean side to transform Romania into an industrial hub in Europe, and the K9 Thunder howitzers and Redback combat vehicles represent the starting point for achieving this goal.

What exactly does the industrial hub mean? The Korean company plans to cooperate with the Romanian defense industry through localization efforts, which include local production, jobs, technology transfer and the establishment of an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility.

Hanwha says it has a big advantage over the competition, namely “outstanding manufacturing capability to meet growing global demand for various defense systems, delivering large-scale orders ahead of schedule and on budget.”

What we know about K9 Thunder

K9 Thunder, caliber 155 mm/52, is the most popular artillery system in the world. About 1,800 tracked artillery units are operated by nine countries, including five NATO members – Poland, Norway, Estonia, Finland and Turkey. The figure represents more than 50% of the global market share of tracked self-propelled howitzers.

Romania will be the 6th NATO member country to have K9 self-propelled howitzers.

The K9 Thunder will be one of the most advanced variants of the K9 howitzer. We also know that there is potential for upgrades in the coming years as new technologies advance in future versions.

The K9 has a quick set-up and equally quick firing, which is an advantage on the battlefield.

The howitzer can fire 6 to 8 projectiles per minute and has a high movement speed.

The K9 is equipped with a diesel engine that develops 1,000 horsepower and can reach a speed of 67 kilometers per hour. The howitzer weighs 47 tons. It is operated by five soldiers and is capable of hitting targets up to 40 kilometers away.

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