Hanwha Aero Installs Domestic Engine in K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer

1,000-Horsepower Engine Developed by STX Engine Passes Testing
Egypt to Become the First Export Destination for K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer Equipped with Domestic Engine

The K9 self-propelled howitzer, which faced difficulties in exports due to the use of foreign engines, is expected to expand its exports following the successful development of a domestic engine. The first export destination for the K9 self-propelled howitzer equipped with a domestic engine is expected to be Egypt.

The K9 self-propelled howitzer is running through the Middle Eastern desert, testing the engine durability. (Photo by Hanwha Aerospace)

Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 12th that the 1,000-horsepower domestic diesel engine for the K9 self-propelled howitzer has successfully completed durability testing in Egypt. Accordingly, the 2 trillion KRW K9 self-propelled howitzer package project signed with the Egyptian government will proceed in earnest.

The existing K9 self-propelled howitzer was equipped with a German engine produced under license by a domestic company. Therefore, export of the K9 self-propelled howitzer required approval from the German government, making exports to some countries in the Middle East difficult.

In response, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technological cooperation to localize core defense materials and components in September 2020, investing a total of 32.1 billion KRW, including a budget of 22.8 billion KRW, to launch the K9 self-propelled howitzer domestic engine development project. STX Engine, the engine developer, succeeded in localizing over 500 key components of the self-propelled howitzer engine and delivered the first mass-produced unit in September last year.

Hanwha Aerospace conducted durability testing of the K9 self-propelled howitzer domestic engine from the second half of 2023 until December last year. The engine was tested over 10,000 km in various driving environments such as deserts and mountains, including in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries, to verify performance and maximum output. Pilots affiliated with Hanwha Aerospace alternated daily in groups of four, driving 100 km each day to test the required technology and operational conditions.

With the successful development of the domestic engine and passing the durability test, the K9 self-propelled howitzer equipped with the domestic engine is expected to enter full-scale mass production locally in Egypt from the second half of this year. Hanwha Aerospace signed a 2 trillion KRW package export contract with the Egyptian government in February 2022, covering the K9 self-propelled howitzer, K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, and K11 fire control armored vehicle.