The 4th K9 User Club Begins in Poland

Military representatives from various countries that operate the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) convened in Krakow, Poland, to share best practices regarding the world's most combat-tested 155mm/52-caliber artillery system. Hosted by the Polish Army, the fourth K9 User Club is taking place from April 8-10, aiming to exchange knowledge, experience, and expertise related to the operation, maintenance, and training associated with the K9 howitzer systems. Over 150 delegates from military and industry sectors are participating in this three-day event, joined by representatives from seven K9 user nations: South Korea, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, and Romania, with the United States and Sweden attending as observers.

Industry representatives from Poland, Norway, Finland, and Denmark are also present to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration and partnerships. “In light of being the nation with the largest fleet of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers in NATO, Poland is honored to host this important gathering, reflecting our collective commitment to improving interoperability, advancing capability development, and enhancing operational effectiveness among K9 operators globally,” stated Col. Wojciech Dalka, Chief of the Equipment and Development Branch, Field Artillery Directorate of the Polish Armed Forces, during his opening remarks.



“This event marks the largest K9 User Club gathering since the community was established in 2022, emphasizing the operational effectiveness of the K9 and interoperability among allied nations,” remarked Mr. Cho Sang-hwan, Vice President and Head of the MRO Business Group of Hanwha Aerospace. “As the manufacturer of the K9 SPH, we are increasingly focused on product enhancements and improved maintenance services guided by customer needs and expectations.

” On the first day, participating nations delivered presentations on their K9 systems, while South Korean representatives from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Agency for Defense Development discussed the K9’s incremental development towards manned-unmanned teaming and autonomous solutions. Hanwha Aerospace introduced an AI-based MRO platform named TOMMS, which allows for real-time equipment monitoring and remote mobile support, freeing users from time and location constraints. The second day will feature separate working sessions focusing on operation, maintenance, training, and ammunition compatibility.

The user group is slated to visit the artillery manufacturing facility of Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. and the 18th Artillery Brigade in Nowa Deba on the final day to witness the field deployment of K9s.

“I am pleased to see that this year’s largest K9 User Club – a hub for sharing knowledge and operational experiences concerning this advanced artillery system – is being held in Poland, a country that is not only a strategic partner for Korea but is also a leader in modernizing its armed forces,” commented Mr. Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense. “I would like to express my gratitude to the Polish Armed Forces for organizing this event excellently, and I am proud that Hanwha Aerospace could contribute to this significant initiative while highlighting the interest allied countries have in our systems.

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