SP 155mm K9/K9A1 Thunder

The K9 Thunder is a South Korean 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by Hanwha Defense, designed for rapid deployment and high mobility. It features a high rate of fire and is capable of firing multiple rounds in quick succession.

Developed in the late 1980s by the Agency for Defense Development and Samsung Aerospace, the K9 was designed to counter North Korea's vast artillery forces and replace the Republic of Korea Army's aging K55 howitzers. The system officially entered service with the South Korean military in 1999, offering significantly improved range and survivability over its predecessors. It saw its first major combat deployment during the 2010 bombardment of Yeonpyeong, where South Korean forces utilized the K9 to return fire against North Korean artillery positions. Today, the K9 has achieved massive global export success, with upgraded variants like the K9A1 serving in numerous NATO and allied nations.