Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea has secured an export contract with Vietnam valued at $250 million, covering the delivery of 20 K9 Thunder howitzers. According to reports, shipments will be managed through the state-run Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, with full delivery projected by the end of 2025. The deal marks the first-ever South Korean arms export to Vietnam, expanding beyond earlier naval donations.
The agreement followed high-level talks during Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to Seoul, underscoring growing defense and economic ties. With the purchase, Vietnam becomes the 11th operator of the 155mm tracked howitzer, joining established users across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including Finland, Egypt, Australia, and Romania.
For Vietnam, the acquisition is notable as the country traditionally relied on Russian military supplies. Between 2000 and 2023, nearly 80 percent of its imports came from Moscow. The move toward South Korea indicates a strategic shift aimed at broadening defense partnerships and reducing dependence on a single supplier.
The K9 was chosen for its battlefield versatility and cost-effectiveness. Valued at about $12 million per unit, it offers long-range firepower with guided and high-explosive munitions reaching 50 kilometers. Its mobility, with speeds up to 67 kilometers per hour across 360 kilometers, makes it one of the most capable self-propelled artillery systems currently in service.
