Hanwha Aerospace, a subsidiary of Hanwha Group, has presented a new operating concept for its K9 self-propelled howitzer that integrates vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones into artillery operations, aiming to accelerate targeting and battle assessment capabilities for future battlefields.
The next-generation K9 concept was introduced at the K9 User Club event, held from 2-4 September at the Estonian National Museum in Estonia, where military and industry representatives from seven K9 operator nations gathered alongside delegates from Spain and Sweden.
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According to Hanwha, the new concept “redefines” how artillery units locate, engage, and assess targets. Using VTOL drones, artillery units can now detect and track targets, generate real-time coordinates, and transmit this data directly to the K9’s fire-direction system.
Throughout an engagement, the drone remains over the target area, observing impacts and enabling rapid battle damage assessment.
This approach, the company said, shortens the sensor-to-shooter cycle and reduces reliance on forward observers in exposed positions.
At the event, Hanwha also introduced proposals for expanding the K9 platform into a broader family of artillery solutions.
Building on the K9A2’s automated turret, the company showcased concepts for wheeled artillery vehicles that leverage established K9 technologies, aiming to increase operational mobility and deployment flexibility.
Hanwha’s selection for the US Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) prototype programme was noted as further recognition of its expertise in advanced, mobile artillery.
During the event, the company also presented its Total Operation & Maintenance Management System (TOMMS).
This digital system centralises procurement, logistics, and spare-part tracking, and includes a digital catalogue of 700–800 commonly used components.
Hanwha intends to link the TOMMS platform to its parts warehouse in Poland to enhance support for European K9 operators.
The company also aims to use maintenance and operational data to anticipate spare-part requirements and position key components in advance, shifting from reactive to predictive logistics.
According to Hanwha, this approach is designed to improve fleet availability and reduce long-term support costs for K9 users.
The annual User Club is hosted on a rotating basis by participating nations including South Korea, Estonia, Poland, Norway, Finland, Romania, and Australia.
The next event will take place in Australia in 2027.
Hanwha Aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) business division head, senior executive vice president Peter JK Bae said: “The K9 User Club has become… a collaborative platform where users, operators, and industry work together to transform operational experience into future capability development.
“Every lesson learned in the field helps shape the next generation of K9 capabilities — from new operating concepts and mobility solutions to smarter sustainment.”
