Vietnam Signs $250 Million Deal to Acquire South Korea’s K9 Howitzers

Seoul/Hanoi, August 2025 – In a landmark defense agreement, Vietnam has signed its first-ever arms import deal with South Korea, purchasing 20 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace under a government-to-government contract valued at $250 million.

The contract, South Korea’s first arms export to Vietnam, follows earlier transfers of decommissioned patrol ships and signals a deepening defense partnership between the two nations. Deliveries are expected to be completed by late 2025, with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency overseeing the process.

A Strategic Shift for Vietnam

The deal was finalized shortly after Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to Seoul, where the two sides pledged to strengthen cooperation in defense, security, and trade. Vietnam becomes the 11th country to operate the K9 howitzer, joining established users such as India, Poland, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Egypt, Norway, Estonia, Romania, and South Korea itself.

The procurement also highlights a gradual shift in Vietnam’s defense sourcing. Between 2000 and 2023, nearly 80% of Vietnam’s military equipment came from Russia, according to international defense data. By diversifying its suppliers, Hanoi is signaling an intent to reduce dependence on Moscow amid concerns about supply chains and geopolitical pressures.

K9 Thunder: A Proven System

The 155mm tracked K9 Thunder is widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful self-propelled howitzers. Since entering service in the late 1990s, it has become the global market leader in its class, with more than 1,800 units exported or ordered worldwide.

Key performance highlights include:

• Range & Firepower: Capable of firing standard high-explosive rounds up to 40 km and precision-guided projectiles to nearly 50 km.

• Mobility: Maximum speed of 67 km/h with an operational range of 360 km, enabling rapid repositioning in dynamic battlefield environments.

• Fire Rate: Can deliver a burst of three rounds in 15 seconds or sustain fire at 2–3 rounds per minute over extended periods.

• Cost Efficiency: At around $12 million per unit, it offers a competitive balance of performance and affordability.

The K9 is also designed for modular upgrades, with variants such as the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle and the K9A1 modernized version, offering digital fire-control systems and enhanced survivability.

Strategic and Geopolitical Context

Defense experts see the deal as both a commercial success for Hanwha Aerospace and a diplomatic milestone for South Korea. By exporting to Vietnam—a country with traditionally strong defense ties to Russia—Seoul has expanded its defense export footprint into Southeast Asia’s fast-growing market.

Ban Kil-joo, director at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security in Seoul, noted, “Exports of weapon systems are usually made to allies or strategic partners, as they create opportunities for high-level military cooperation. Vietnam is a unique case, but systems like the K9, which do not demand extensive interoperability, make such deals possible.”

Vietnam’s Growing Artillery Power

For Vietnam, the K9 enhances its artillery firepower at a time of increasing security challenges in the South China Sea. The system’s high mobility and precision make it suitable for rapid coastal defense, counter-battery operations, and deterrence missions. Analysts believe Hanoi may expand its K9 fleet in the coming years, following the initial batch of 20 units.

The $250 million K9 deal between Vietnam and South Korea is more than just a defense export—it marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral ties. With this agreement, Vietnam becomes part of the growing global community of K9 operators, while South Korea cements its position as a leading arms exporter in Asia.

By 2025, when deliveries are complete, the K9 Thunder will stand as a symbol of both Vietnam’s military modernization and Seoul’s rising influence in the global defense market.