The collaboration was solidified with a Letter of Intent signed by Hanwha Aerospace and Huta Stalowa Wola, a division of the Polish state-owned defense conglomerate PGZ.
This document delineates the framework for future collaboration and the overseas distribution of components for the K9 Thunder and Krab howitzers.
The core of this strategic partnership revolves around the integration of the Korean K9 Thunder gun onto the Polish Krab self-propelled howitzer’s chassis, a move that is set to cement their positions within the European defense market.
The centerpiece of this partnership is the formidable K9 Thunder, a 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer, renowned for its effective and deep fire support across various theaters.
Mounted on a mobile platform, the K9 boasts a high firing rate over long distances.
The upcoming K9A2 version will introduce a fully automated turret, enhancing levels of automation, lethality, survivability, and digitalization.
The forthcoming K9A3 variant is expected to offer increased range with a 58-caliber barrel, alongside additional automation and artificial intelligence capabilities, with plans for release in the early 2030s.
Poland’s AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer, on the other hand, is a testament to the nation’s defense capabilities.
The Krab is a 155mm mobile howitzer system, initially procured with a total of 72 units by the Polish Army.
It features an all-welded steel hull providing protection against small arms fire and shell fragments. The vehicle accommodates a crew of five members.
The Krab, weighing 48 tons and measuring 12.1 meters in length, is equipped with a 155 mm caliber cannon capable of firing shells up to a maximum range of 40 kilometers using Excalibur-type ammunition.
Designed for exceptional mobility, it can achieve speeds of up to 60 km/h on roads, owing to its STX Engine/MTU Friedrichshafen MT881Ka-500 diesel engine generating 1,000 horsepower.
The vehicle carries a supply of 40 rounds, divided between the turret and the hull, and is outfitted with a sophisticated sighting system from WB Electronics Topaz FCS.
This integration is poised to be more than a merger of technologies; it is a confluence of strategic interests.
The partnership also opens doors for broader cooperation, such as the production of the Homar-K launcher and its adaptation to 122mm unguided missiles.
Relevant articles:
– Hanwha Signs Agreement to Integrate K9 Thunder Gun Into Polish Krab Self, Army Recognition
– K9 Thunder to fit on Polish Krab chassis under new export deal, Army Technology
– HSW, Hanwha Aerospace to Integrate Polish Krab Chassis with Korean K9 Gun-Howitzers, Defensemirror.com
– Poland signs framework agreement for 152 Krab artillery systems, Defence Industry Europe