US Army eyes mobile K9 howitzer to replace M777; India too shifts towards wheeled artillery
The US Army is testing South Korean K9 mobile howitzers as a potential replacement for its towed M777 artillery systems to improve mobility. India is simultaneously pursuing its own artillery modernization through indigenous projects like the ATAGS and the K-9 Vajra-T.
Why it matters
This shift signals a global military trend toward wheeled, highly mobile artillery systems to enhance battlefield flexibility.
The US army has taken a decisive step in its artillery modernisation drive by selecting Hanwha Defense USA to advance in the Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) programme. The South Korean firm will provide up to 18 prototypes of its wheeled K9 Mobile Howitzer for testing and soldier trials over the next four years. The aim of this limited procurement is to explore replacing the US army’s long‑serving M777 towed howitzers with a more mobile, longer‑range system. The Indian army too operates the M777 ultra light howitzer in limited quantities.The K9 Mobile Howitzer is derived from Hanwha’s tracked K9 gun, already in service with South Korea, India, Poland and several other nations. The tracked K9, is one of the most successful defence exports from South Korea. Both versions of the gun mount a 52‑calibre 155mm cannon, capable of ranges up to 60 kilometres, nearly double that of the M777.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in