[Defense Column] The Monster K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer... Upgraded Performance Revealed

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The K9A2 self-propelled howitzer upgrade will replace the towed howitzers of the mobilization divisions.

The Army is reportedly pursuing a plan to convert the towed howitzers of the field armies into ceremonial equipment by 2030. Having completed the mass production of the K9 self-propelled howitzer in 2020, thus concluding the first modernization power enhancement project, the next plan is to introduce the K9A2 - Type 1 upgraded self-propelled howitzer. This will convert the KH-179 towed howitzers, currently operated mainly by the field armies on the eastern front, into ceremonial equipment, and the towed howitzers of the mobilization divisions will also be replaced with the K55A1 self-propelled howitzer.

Recently, with the increase of the top 10 threats from North Korean artillery, the Army Artillery Command has been tasked with establishing a corps-level operational system. The top 10 threats from North Korean artillery include not only existing self-propelled howitzers, multiple rocket launchers, and Scud ballistic missiles but also the emergence of KN-23 ballistic missiles, KN-24 ATACMS, and KN-25 super-large multiple rocket launchers.

Along with the emergence of these threats, the operational area size of the corps artillery brigade under the Artillery Command is 60km by 120km, requiring the capability to strike key targets at ranges exceeding 70km. Moving the corps’ existing, non-upgraded K9/A1 self-propelled howitzers forward raises survivability concerns, and the K55A1 self-propelled howitzer of the division artillery brigade, with a firing range of 32km, also shows its limitations.

By 2030, the operational lifespan of the K55A1 self-propelled howitzer will reach 45 years, and automation and unmanned operation remain distant goals. The K9A1, currently undergoing upgrades through depot maintenance, is being equipped with a hybrid navigation system, automatic fire control system, driver’s night periscope, and auxiliary power unit, but its projectile range remains at 40km.

Recently, the performance upgrade of the K9A2 - Type 1 self-propelled howitzer, following the K9A1, has been decided as a long-term requirement, aiming for completion by 2030. The K9A2 - Type 1 upgrade is known to feature an unmanned turret and remote operation, using extended-range projectiles to strike targets up to 54km away. However, due to the top 10 threats from North Korean artillery, the upgrade scope has expanded to the K9A2 - Type 2 plan, which replaces the 52-caliber barrel with a 58-caliber barrel and introduces glide projectiles, granting a strike capability of 100 to 130km.

The K9A2 - Type 2 is not yet reflected in acquisition requirements but is planned between the K9A2 - Type 1 upgrade and the development of the next self-propelled howitzer. The Army is reportedly proceeding with a firepower enhancement plan by newly introducing the K9A2 - Type 1/2 upgraded self-propelled howitzers to replace the corps’ K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, which in turn will push out the K55A1 self-propelled howitzers of the frontline divisions. The K55A1 self-propelled howitzer with a 32km range, deployed by the frontline divisions, is intended to replace the KH-179 towed howitzers of the mobilization divisions.

It is unrealistic for the mobilization divisions to conduct peacetime mobilization training using towed howitzers. To ensure that veterans of self-propelled howitzers can immediately contribute as combat power upon mobilization, additional requirements for the K9A2 - Type 1/2 upgraded self-propelled howitzers in field units are natural. The plan to fully replace the KH-179 towed howitzers with additional acquisitions of the K9A2 - Type 1/2 upgraded self-propelled howitzers and convert them into ceremonial equipment is a key measure among various options to counter the new threats from North Korean artillery. We look forward to the military authorities’ smooth execution of this plan.