A promotional video released by Hanwha Aerospace on 28 April 2025 provides the most detailed description of the features and capabilities it envisions in its next-generation K9A3 Thunder 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer. The K9A3 is intended to be the future successor to the current K9A2, which is fielded by the Republic of Korea, Australia, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Egypt, and India, with several other militaries considering its adoption.
What is clear is that the K9A3 goes beyond a simple upgrade—it represents a largely new concept in self-propelled artillery. The new design significantly enhances range, responsiveness, and lethality while improving mobility, operational flexibility, and reliability. It also reduces maintenance needs and lowers (or even eliminates) crew requirements. This next-generation system will leverage advanced technology to deliver smarter, faster, and more efficient fire support, ensuring greater performance and survivability on future battlefields.
The K9A3 concept was first unveiled by Hanwha in October 2024 at the KADEX exhibition in South Korea. However, this latest video offers a clearer look at its objectives and capabilities as a manned/unmanned combat system. The howitzer will feature a longer 58-caliber 155mm gun, more than doubling its effective maximum range to 80 kilometers.
A key innovation is the high level of automation and autonomous operation, allowing the K9A3 to perform all essential tasks with just one crew member—or even operate entirely unmanned. Functions such as autonomous driving, navigation, firing solution computation, loading, aiming, and firing will be automated. The system will also be fully digital, integrated, and networked, enhancing its ability to rapidly respond to mission demands.
To achieve this, Hanwha must overcome challenges not only in fire delivery but also in unmanned tactical movement, positioning, sensor integration, and automating the entire fire request-and-execution process. The K9A3 will be capable of maneuvering across the battlefield, receiving and executing fire missions, and quickly relocating—all while operating in manned, remote-controlled, or fully autonomous modes.
Additionally, the showcased K9A3 includes a roof-mounted remote weapon station (RWS) for self-defense, initially fitted with a .50-caliber heavy machine gun for local protection or counter-drone operations. This RWS can also be upgraded to other weapons if needed.
Hanwha Aerospace has not yet provided a specific development timeline for the K9A3. However, past K9 models took roughly 10 years from development to fielding. The company recognizes that effective modern artillery requires more than just an advanced gun—it demands solutions for dispersed firing coordination, command and control, and ammunition supply in fast-moving combat scenarios.
Hanwha’s continued investment in this project demonstrates both the company’s commitment to innovation and the Republic of Korea’s military ambition to push the boundaries of artillery technology. The K9A3 concept highlights a bold step toward next-generation autonomous firepower, ensuring dominance in future warfare.
by Stephen W. Miller
