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AS9 Huntsman Howitzer

AS9 Huntsman Howitzer

Manufacturer: Australian Industry
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 155mm / 52-caliber
Engine Power ~1,000 hp
Maximum Speed ~67 km/h (road)
Armor Type Steel/Composite Protection

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	AS9 Huntsman
Type / Role	Self-Propelled Howitzer
Manufacturer	Hanwha Aerospace / Australian Industry
Country of Origin	South Korea / Australia
In Service	Yes (Australia)
Year Introduced	2025 (Australia)
Unit Cost	~$9–12 million (estimated)
Crew	4–5

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	~12 m
Width	~3.4 m
Height	~3 m
Weight	~50 tons
Ground Clearance	~0.4 m
Chassis Material	Steel/Composite

3. Performance

Engine Type	Diesel Engine
Engine Power	~1,000 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	~20 hp/ton
Transmission	Automatic
Maximum Speed (Road)	~67 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	~40 km/h
Operational Range	~360 km
Suspension Type	Hydropneumatic/Torsion

4. Armament

Main Gun	155mm / 52-caliber
Ammunition Capacity	~48 rounds
Secondary Armament	12.7mm MG (optional)
Gun Elevation/Depression	+70° / -3°
Fire Control System	Digital FCS
Stabilization	Indirect fire platform
Rate of Fire	6–8 rpm burst / 2–3 sustained

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Steel/Composite
Reactive Armor	No
Active Protection System (APS)	Optional
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	Yes
Fire Suppression System	Automatic
Mine Protection	Enhanced underbelly armor

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	60%
Side Slope	30%
Trench Crossing	~2.5 m
Vertical Obstacle	~0.7 m
Fording Depth	~1 m
Turning Radius	Pivot turn
Amphibious Capability	No

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Yes
Thermal Imaging	Yes
Night Vision	Yes
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Digital
Communication System	Secure Radios
Battlefield Management System	Optional

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	Australian Army
Primary Operator	Australia, South Korea (K9 variant)
Combat Experience	None (new platform)
Upgrade Packages	Modular systems available
Export Status	Limited
Production Status	Active

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Technology 9 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 7 / 10

PROS

High mobility and rapid shoot-and-scoot capability
Strong armor protection against counter-battery fire
Advanced digital fire-control systems
High rate of fire with automated handling
Proven K9 Thunder lineage ensures reliability

CONS

Not currently operated by U.S. forces
Large logistical footprint
Requires specialized maintenance tools
High acquisition cost for smaller armies
Limited amphibious capability

AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer

The AS9 Huntsman represents a major modernization leap for Australia’s land-based artillery, merging proven South Korean K9 Thunder heritage with extensive Australian defense industry integration. Designed for high-mobility fire support, the 155mm self-propelled system provides fast, precise, and survivable firepower tailored for Indo-Pacific operational demands. Born from a collaborative success between Hanwha Aerospace and Australian industry partners, the program also established local manufacturing, marking one of the largest defense industry technology transfers in Australia’s history.

A key success story of the Huntsman program is the establishment of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Victoria, where local workers and suppliers contribute to building and sustaining the platform. This has helped shape a sovereign artillery capability while ensuring long-term regional supportability.

The AS9 is optimized for rapid “shoot-and-scoot” operations, firing multiple precision-guided or conventional 155mm projectiles before quickly relocating to avoid counter-battery threats. Powered by a robust diesel engine and built on a reinforced armored chassis, the howitzer offers strong battlefield protection, including advanced blast resistance and optional automation upgrades.

Equipped with a modern fire-control suite, GPS-aided navigation, and automated loading support, the AS9 delivers high accuracy alongside a sustained rate of fire. Its operational range, crew survivability features, and integration potential with unmanned systems and digital command networks make it a highly capable artillery solution in emerging multi-domain environments.

AS9 Huntsman Price

The AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer is not currently offered for U.S. acquisition; however, its projected per-unit cost—based on allied procurement—typically ranges between $9–12 million, depending on configuration, support packages, and ammunition integration.

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Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Technology:

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Performance:

8
Reliability & Maintenance:

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