Australia has taken another step toward sovereign artillery capability with the rollout of locally manufactured AS9 Huntsman howitzers produced by Hanwha Defence in Victoria. Part of the LAND 8116 acquisition program, the vehicles will support modernization of mobile fires capability through domestically assembled platforms. Following testing and crew training phases, the howitzers will enter operational service alongside AS10 armored resupply vehicles. Based on the globally proven K9 Thunder design, the Huntsman offers improved mobility, automated loading systems, and enhanced survivability. Full delivery of the artillery fleet is expected by 2027, reinforcing Australia’s industrial base and long-range strike capacity.
