Hanwha Unveils Wheeled K9 Variant, Testing Planned for 2026, How It Better Than K9A2

Hanwha Defense USA has confirmed the start of production for a new wheeled variant of its K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, with testing scheduled for early 2026. The move marks a key step in Hanwha’s plan to offer a more mobile, cost-efficient, and maintenance-friendly option to the U.S. Army as it works to modernize its 155mm artillery fleet.

The new variant is derived from the K9A2 tracked howitzer, but it replaces the tracked chassis with a high-mobility wheeled platform. According to Jason Pak, Senior Director of Business Development for Land Systems at Hanwha Defense USA, the new design maintains the same firepower and automation as the K9A2 while improving strategic mobility and ease of deployment. “Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha USA’s pride and joy is the K9,” Pak said, highlighting that the system’s combat-proven reliability and global success make it a strong candidate for U.S. adoption.

Pak confirmed that Hanwha aims to establish a fully localized production base in the United States, encompassing manufacturing, assembly, and sustainment. “We’re absolutely committed to U.S. jobs and capacity,” he said. The plan includes initial deliveries from Korea to accelerate fielding, followed by full domestic production once facilities and supply chains are established.

Carl Poppe, Director of Business Development for Artillery Systems at Hanwha Defense USA, said the company is prepared to adapt production based on the Army’s timelines and requirements. “Whether it needs to be all built and assembled here in the States, or if they need to take an early delivery to meet tactical needs, we’re ready,” he explained. He added that around 40 percent of the K9’s global supply chain already comes from U.S.-based suppliers, which will simplify the transition to domestic production.

While the U.S. version will closely follow the base K9 configuration, Hanwha expects to integrate a U.S.-specific fire control system and other localized features once requirements are finalized. “We have a history of meeting user nation requirements,” Poppe said. “We’ll refine the system as we receive more direction from the government.”

How the Wheeled K9 Improves on the K9A2

The wheeled K9 offers several advantages over the tracked K9A2. Both share the same 52-caliber, 155mm gun and automated loading system, ensuring equivalent rate of fire and accuracy, but the new wheeled version focuses on strategic and operational flexibility:

• Greater road mobility: The wheeled chassis allows for faster movement on paved and semi-paved routes, reducing transit times and fuel consumption compared to tracked platforms.

• Lower maintenance and lifecycle cost: Wheeled systems are simpler to service, need fewer spare parts, and reduce long-term sustainment costs.

• Easier transport: The reduced weight and modular design improve air and road transportability, making it more deployable for expeditionary operations.

• Reduced crew fatigue and noise levels: Wheeled movement offers smoother rides during long relocations, benefiting crew endurance and system reliability.

• Less logistical burden: Tires and drivetrains are easier to replace than heavy track assemblies, enabling faster field repairs.

However, the K9A2 tracked version still maintains an edge in cross-country performance, terrain handling, and stability during sustained fire missions—making the wheeled variant a complementary system rather than a full replacement. The combination allows users to choose based on mission type: wheeled for rapid movement and cost efficiency, tracked for high-intensity frontline operations.

Hanwha’s new model supports the U.S. Army’s evaluation of mobile tactical cannon systems. The company is responding to the Army’s request for information (RFI) with details on the wheeled K9, the K9A1, and the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle. “We have the ability to fill capability gaps for the U.S. Army,” Pak noted, underscoring the modular and scalable nature of Hanwha’s artillery lineup.

South Korea’s ongoing upgrades from K9A1 to K9A2 demonstrate a proven modernization pathway, which could extend to the new wheeled variant in the future. As Poppe observed, “Once a user adopts the K9A1 or A2, they can upgrade to the latest configurations as technology advances.”

With the wheeled K9 entering production and testing, Hanwha Defense USA is positioning itself to play a major role in the U.S. Army’s next-generation artillery program. The upcoming 2026 trials will determine whether the new platform meets the Army’s goals for speed, flexibility, and long-term sustainability in future operations.