According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Hanwha Aerospace has finalized a government-to-government agreement worth $250 million with Vietnam for the delivery of 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers. The contract, signed in July, represents the first export of advanced South Korean weapon systems to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.
The K9 Thunder is equipped with a 155mm/52-caliber gun, capable of reaching 40 kilometers with standard ammunition and up to 54 kilometers with rocket-assisted rounds. With an automatic loading system enabling up to eight rounds per minute and a “shoot-and-scoot” ability, the platform offers superior mobility, survivability, and long-range firepower on the battlefield.
Vietnam’s current artillery fleet, heavily reliant on Soviet-era D-30 and 2S1 Gvozdika systems, falls short in range and firepower compared to modern platforms. The introduction of the K9 represents a major leap in Hanoi’s artillery modernization, enhancing its capacity to respond rapidly and strengthen deterrence amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
For South Korea, the agreement underscores its growing prominence as a leading global arms exporter. The K9 has become one of Hanwha Aerospace’s flagship systems, valued worldwide for its balance of cost, performance, and delivery efficiency. Beyond being a simple arms deal, the contract reflects deepening strategic trust and expanding defense cooperation between Seoul and Hanoi.
