Team Thunder expands with Lockheed Martin
Hanwha Defense has expanded its UK industry team offering the K9A2 SPH as a solution for the British Army's Mobile Fires Platform requirement. (Photo: Hanwha Defense)
Lockheed Martin UK has joined the Hanwha Defense-led Team Thunder, which is proposing the K9A2 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) as a UK-manufactured solution for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform requirement to replace the AS90 tracked 155mm system.
Team Thunder also comprises Horstman Defence Systems, Leonardo UK, Pearson Engineering and Soucy Defense.
‘The advanced version will be an upgrade of the existing 155mm/52-calibre K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzer, as it is to feature improved lethality, mobility and survivability,’ Hanwha Defense noted in a statement.
Team Thunder is likely to face competition, for example from Rheinmetall with a 155mm SPH based on its new RMMV HX3 10x10 chassis. Other possibilities include BAE Systems with an Archer SPH mounted on a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX2 8x8 truck chassis; and a wheeled SPH from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann mounted on a Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle chassis.
Of the main contenders for MFP, only Hanwha has put its faith in a tracked solution with a high level of automation that cuts the crew requirement from five to three people.
Under MFP, the British Army aims to acquire 116 SPHs. An RfP is expected to be issued this year with a contract award anticipated in 2025.
More from Land Warfare
-
Greece confirms amphibious assault vehicle plan with FMS request
Greece has moved ahead with plans to acquire a fleet of Assault Amphibious Vehicles from US Marine Corps surplus stocks.
-
Boxers join fight club with start of Australian production
Production of Australian-assembled Boxer 8x8 vehicles has commenced in Queensland, and the possibility even exists of exporting some back to Germany.
-
Beleaguered Ajax programme moves on with new, much later, in-service dates
The UK's Ajax armoured vehicle programme faces further delays, with platforms not entering service until 2025 and full operating capability not until 2028-29, causing concern for the British Army's modernisation plans.
-
Mobility and deception keeping Ukrainian air defence systems intact
Mobility and deception tactics have helped keep Ukrainian air defence systems stay online during Russia's invasion of the country.
-
JGSDF lines up next-generation wheeled armoured vehicles
Foreign OEMs are starting to get a look-in for military vehicle programmes in Japan.
-
Romania quadruples request for JLTV Heavy Gun Carriers
Romania has requested a total of 129 Heavy Gun Carrier Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to replace HMMWVs used by its special forces units.