The Australian Army has completed its first live-fire exercise with the AS9 Huntsman 155mm self-propelled howitzer, marking the system’s inaugural use by Australian troops on home soil. The firing took place at the Puckapunyal training area in Victoria, involving personnel from the School of Artillery and the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
Built on South Korea’s K9 Thunder platform, the AS9 has been significantly adapted to meet Australia’s operational requirements. The upgraded variant includes enhanced mine and ballistic protection, an improved crew-survivability suite, and a communications architecture compatible with the Australian Army’s battle management system. A redesigned cooling system enables reliable operation in the country’s high-temperature environments.
Hanwha Defence Australia, the local arm of South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, is manufacturing the AS9 as well as 15 AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles under the same program. The government has committed to procuring 30 AS9 units, with deliveries and integration expected to be completed within two years.
Increased automation, improved fire-control and navigation systems, and seamless integration with the AS10 resupply vehicle will allow the AS9 to support mobile and dispersed formations with sustained firepower.
This milestone aligns with Australia’s broader modernization agenda focused on strengthening long-range fires and contemporary artillery capabilities.
