The US Army has awarded Hanwha Defense USA a research and development contract to integrate a 58-caliber cannon into the K9 platform, advancing the service’s self-propelled artillery modernization initiative.
Following Hanwha’s recent proposal of a wheeled K9 variant featuring the 58-caliber gun, the CRADA will see the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center fit a US-designed 58-caliber barrel into the K9 family. This effort aims to extend artillery range from around 30 km to as much as 70 km, addressing the gap left by the canceled ERCA program.
The initiative is part of a competitive evaluation alongside BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems, and General Dynamics. Hanwha’s K9A2, paired with the K10 resupply vehicle capable of holding 104 rounds and transferring 12 per minute, will provide enhanced sustained fire, battlefield flexibility, and full compliance with US Army standards, supported by a domestic production supply chain.
