[Exclusive] Vietnam Finalizes K-9 Howitzer Deal... First Export to a Communist Country

Delivery of 20 K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to Vietnam via G2G Deal Through KOTRA in Second Half of the Year
Vietnamese General Secretary Visits Korea...
Comprehensive Talks with President Lee Across Multiple Sectors

The K9 self-propelled howitzer, widely recognized as a premier domestically produced weapon, has been exported to Vietnam. This marks the first defense export of the K9 to a communist country and its debut in Southeast Asia. With this acquisition, Vietnam has become the 10th member of the global "K9 User Club."

Yonhap News

According to a government official on August 11, "This K9 self-propelled howitzer export will not be conducted through a direct supply by Hanwha Aerospace to Vietnam, but rather as a government-to-government (G2G) transaction, with delivery facilitated by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Hanwha Aerospace signed and announced the supply contract with KOTRA on July 27."

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam is on a four-day state visit to Korea starting August 10 at the invitation of President Lee Jaemyung. This is the first visit by the Vietnamese General Secretary in 11 years and the first state visit by a foreign leader under the current administration. In Vietnam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party ranks higher in political power than the Prime Minister or the President. On this day, President Lee plans to use the introduction of the K9 self-propelled howitzer as an opportunity to expand discussions into a wide range of fields, including nuclear power, high-speed rail, defense industry, and the cultural and arts sectors.

The export contract for 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers is valued at $250 million (approximately 350 billion won). This amount is about 50 billion won less than initially expected, reportedly because maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts were excluded. Analysts suggest this leaves room for a potential second contract. Nguyen Hong Phong, Commander of the Vietnamese Artillery, who is accompanying the General Secretary, is scheduled to visit Hanwha Aerospace's Changwon plant on this day. On August 13, he will hold a business meeting with Hanwha Aerospace executives. Vietnam has also shown interest in the domestically developed Cheongung II surface-to-air missile interception system. On August 14, he is expected to visit LIG Nex1, the manufacturer of Cheongung II.

Vietnam has consistently expressed strong interest in Korean defense products. In the past, it received decommissioned naval vessels from the Korean Navy free of charge, which sparked increased interest in "K-defense." The export of K9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam was initiated during the 30th anniversary of Korea-Vietnam diplomatic relations in 2022, when then-President Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam visited Korea. The Ministry of National Defense pledged to strengthen defense and defense industry cooperation with Vietnam, in line with the upgraded "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two countries. The following year, former President Yoon Sukyeol led an economic delegation, including defense industry representatives, to Vietnam. Defense Minister Phan Van Giang also visited Korea and personally inspected the K9 self-propelled howitzer at the 7th Maneuver Corps, a key component of Korea's ground forces. In November last year, Vietnam sent military personnel to Korea for K9 self-propelled howitzer driving, firing, and maintenance training provided to foreign militaries by the Korean Army. However, discussions stalled in the aftermath of former President Yoon Sukyeol's declaration of the 12·3 emergency martial law.

Once the K9 self-propelled howitzers are delivered to Vietnam in the second half of this year, they are expected to be deployed to Vietnam's 204th Artillery Brigade. Vietnam is located south of China and, during the Vietnam War, fought against the United States and also engaged in combat with Korean forces. Today, Vietnam maintains a single-party communist system while adopting a capitalist economy. Although Korean defense exports have generally avoided transactions with communist states or military regimes, the changing international landscape?including intensified strategic competition between the United States and China?has shifted this stance.

Vietnam is engaged in a territorial dispute with China over the Spratly Islands (known in Vietnam as the Truong Sa Islands). However, outdated weapons systems have made it difficult for Vietnam to counter China effectively. Some analysts suggest that if Vietnam adopts Korean-made weapons compatible with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) systems, it may signal a shift toward "anti-China" or "de-Sinicization" policies.

On the other hand, concerns have also been raised. While Vietnam is introducing the domestically produced K9 self-propelled howitzer, it is also strengthening friendly ties with North Korea. Last year, Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Hoang Xuan Chien visited North Korea, held talks with North Korean Vice Minister of Defense Kim Minseop, and discussed cooperation in military technology and the defense industry. In January of this year, President Luong Cuong sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and North Korea, stating, "I am pleased to announce the launch of the '2025 Vietnam-DPRK Friendship Year.'" This has raised concerns that K9 self-propelled howitzer technology could potentially be transferred to North Korea.