Australia Receives first Locally Built AS9 Artillery Systems
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace on February 26 shipped the first AS9 self-propelled howitzers produced at its Australian manufacturing facility, marking the initial delivery of a locally adapted K9 artillery variant from the company’s overseas production base, the firm announced.
According to the company, a ceremony was held at the Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Victoria, where three AS9 self-propelled howitzers were officially dispatched. The facility serves as a local production and assembly center for tracked artillery and armored vehicles intended for the Australian Army.
Hanwha Aerospace stated that it plans to deliver a total of 30 AS9 self-propelled howitzers and 15 AS10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles to Australia. The first Australian-built AS10 ammunition carrier is scheduled to leave the production line later this year.
As reported by Korean media, the AS9 is a locally customized version of the K9 self-propelled howitzer adapted to Australian operational requirements. The system forms part of Canberra’s broader modernization effort aimed at improving long-range fire support capabilities.
The company said the H-ACE facility, completed in August 2024, is the first overseas production base established by a South Korean defense contractor. The site spans approximately 150,000 square meters and includes eleven major facilities, including manufacturing halls, assembly lines, vehicle testing tracks, and a live-fire range.
Located roughly one hour by road from Melbourne and about ten minutes from Avalon Airport, the Geelong facility was selected in part for logistical accessibility supporting equipment transport and sustainment operations.
As noted by Hanwha Aerospace, the initial shipment demonstrates the operational readiness of localized production rather than export-only manufacturing. A company representative stated, “The first shipment of self-propelled howitzers produced at an overseas production base means that K-defense exports have entered a new stage.”
The representative added, “We will develop the Australian local factory into a key production base in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The AS9 howitzer is based on the combat-proven K9 artillery platform but modified for Australian service conditions. Self-propelled howitzers combine a large-caliber artillery gun with an armored tracked chassis, allowing forces to deliver indirect fire support while maintaining mobility and protection.
In practical terms, systems such as the AS9 allow artillery units to relocate quickly after firing missions, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery detection and attack. Automated fire-control systems enable rapid targeting and coordinated operations with broader battlefield networks.
The paired AS10 ammunition resupply vehicle supports sustained firing operations by transferring shells and propellant charges under armored protection, limiting crew exposure and maintaining operational tempo during combat conditions.
The establishment of domestic production aligns with a broader trend among allied nations seeking resilient defense supply chains and regional manufacturing capacity. Producing artillery systems locally allows faster maintenance cycles, improved spare-parts availability, and reduced dependence on overseas shipping during crises.
Hanwha Aerospace said the H-ACE facility is intended not only to supply Australia but also to serve as a regional production hub supporting defense demand across the Indo-Pacific. The company indicated that the site could support cooperation within security frameworks such as AUKUS and the Five Eyes intelligence partnership markets.