WARSAW --- On February 23, 12 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers were handed over in Jarosław. After the first tranche delivered to Węgorzewo in December last year, this is a second delivery of Korean self-propelled howitzers to the Polish Armed Forces and at the same time the first of several planned for 2023.
The self-propelled howitzers ordered in the Republic of South Korea were delivered by sea to the port of Gdynia, and then, after unloading, were transported by land to Jarosław, where they were equipped with the 14th self-propelled artillery squadron of the 21st Podhale Rifle Brigade.
The first tranche of 24 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers was handed over to the soldiers of the 11th Masurian Artillery Regiment from Węgorzewo on December 12, 2022.
The above deliveries are carried out under the executive contract of August 26, 2022, worth USD 2.4 billion net, concluded between the Armament Agency and Hanwha Defense, according to which 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers will be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces in the years 2022-2026.
The K9 Thunder is a South Korean self-propelled howitzer on a tracked chassis. Its main armament is a 155 mm cannon with a length of 52 calibres which, depending on the type of ammunition, ensures precise firing at distances of over 40 km. Auxiliary armament is a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. K9 armor provides protection against small arms and artillery fragments. The drive is a diesel engine with a power of 1000 HP with an automatic gearbox, which ensure high speed and mobility in any terrain. The weight of the howitzer is 47 tons.
A number of improvements have been introduced in the K9A1 version. The main emphasis was placed on increasing the effectiveness and firing range to 54 km, improving situational awareness and increasing the comfort of the crew.
It is worth mentioning that the K9A1 howitzers contracted as part of the first stage are equipped with Polish communication systems and the TOPAZ integrated combat management system.
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