South Korea approves modernised K9 SPHs and new-build K2 MBTs
The Republic of Korea Army will have its existing K9 and K9A1 SPHs upgraded to K9A2 status under the FY2023 budget allocation. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Amidst massive Polish orders for K9 SPHs and K2 tanks, South Korea will also modernise and extend its own inventory of these two AFV types.
South Korea continues to invest heavily in armoured vehicles, with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration recently approving funding for a couple of important projects – a K9 SPH upgrade and new K2 MBTs.
Under next year’s budget allocation, more than 1,100 examples of the K9 and K9A1 155mm SPH of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) will be modernised to K9A2 Block I configuration by 2034. Some KRW2.36 trillion ($1.69 billion) has been set aside for this purpose.
With just a three-person crew, the K9A2 features greater levels of automation than preceding variants of the SPH. Specifically, it will have
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
