Vietnam outlines intent to procure K9 howitzer

The K9 SPH has a combat weight of 46.3 tonnes, a top road speed of 67 km/h, and an operational range of 360 km. (Hanwha Defense)

Vietnam's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has indicated that it is planning to procure the K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) – developed and produced by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace – for the People's Army of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Vice-Minister of National Defence Hoang Xuan Chien expressed an intention to procure the K9 at the ‘11th Korea-Vietnam Defense Strategy Dialogue' held in Hanoi on 23 April, according to a press release issued by the South Korea's Ministry of National Defense (MND) one day later.

“Chien evaluated Korea's weapons systems and expressed his intention to expand defence industry co-operation, including the introduction of Korean weapon systems such as the K9 SPH [into the People's Army of Vietnam] and requested co-operation from the Korean government for this purpose,” the MND said.

In addition, the two sides agreed to strengthen co-operation in areas such as maritime security, cyber security, and logistics, the MND added.

To expand defence and defence industry co-operation, both countries agreed that the newly discussed areas of co-operation will be added to a bilateral defence co-operation agreement signed in 2010, according to the MND.

In April 2023 a Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson confirmed to Janes that Vietnamese officials visited the Hanwha facility to review the K9 SPH.

Vietnam requires new artillery to replace its decades-old inventories including 155 mm M114 and 105 mm M101 howitzers. Reportedly, the People's Army of Vietnam seeks to procure 108 units of 155 mm howitzers.

According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence