Vietnam’s Ministry of Defense is in the final stages of negotiating the procurement of 20-30 K9 “Thunder” self-propelled howitzers from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, with talks on delivery timelines having concluded in February 2024. The discussions follow a March 2023 visit by Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang to the 7th Artillery Brigade of the South Korean Army, during which he expressed interest in the K9A1 model and engaged in unplanned discussions with Hanwha Aerospace on potential technology transfer associated with future defense contracts. Vietnam’s military seeks to replace outdated artillery systems, including the M-114 and M-101, with up to 108 new 155mm self-propelled howitzers. The commitment to this upgrade was reaffirmed during the 11th Korean-Vietnamese Defense Strategy Dialogue in April 2024, where senior Vietnamese officials highlighted the importance of integrating South Korean weapon systems and deepening defense collaboration on maritime security, cybersecurity, and logistics. With reported negotiations for a $300 million agreement nearing completion in January 2025, the K9 acquisition not only advances Vietnam’s artillery capabilities but also strengthens the defense ties and strategic partnership between Vietnam and South Korea.
