The Korean Defense Project Promotion Committee has given the green light to a comprehensive upgrade plan for the K9 self-propelled howitzer. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced in Seoul on June 26, 2023, that the approved plan, valued at 2.36 trillion won ($1.81 billion), will be implemented over the next four years, concluding in 2027.
The armament and armor of this self-propelled howitzer include a 155 mm gun and a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. It offers protection against 14.5 mm caliber armor-piercing shells and 152 mm artillery shell fragments.
This self-propelled howitzer is equipped with several combat equipment. These include a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protection system, heater, internal and external communications system, manual fire suppression system, and automatic fire control system. The crew consists of five members.
Dubbed the “Block-I” upgrade project, the primary objective is to enhance the strike capabilities of the K9 through the automation of the ammunition loading process. By streamlining this critical function, the self-propelled howitzer’s swift strike capabilities will be reinforced, leading to improved combat efficiency.
DAPA emphasized that the introduction of automation will reduce the number of personnel required to operate the K9 self-propelled howitzer, while enhancing crew safety.