K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer. (Photo: Hanwha Aerospace)

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] The South Korean government and domestic defense companies are reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with Vietnam regarding the sale of K9 self-propelled howitzers.

According to Hanwha Aerospace and defense authorities on Monday, the governments of South Korea and Vietnam are discussing a deal to supply 20 to 30 units of the K9 howitzer.

Although the exact number of units has not been disclosed, the contract is expected to be worth around $300 million (approximately 430 billion KRW).

The K9 self-propelled howitzer is a globally leading artillery system with the largest market share in the self-propelled howitzer export market. First exported to Turkey in 2001, the K9 has since achieved cumulative export sales of approximately 13 trillion KRW.

Countries operating the K9 howitzer include South Korea, Australia, Egypt, India, Norway, Estonia, Turkey, Poland, Finland, and Romania, totaling 10 nations.

If the deal with Vietnam is finalized, the current "K9 belt," primarily centered in Northern and Eastern Europe, would expand into Asia. As Vietnam would be the first customer in Southeast Asia, this deal could pave the way for further export opportunities in the region.

 

 

 

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