In a recent military inspection of the 4th Armoured Division, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi unveiled Egypt’s new addition, the 155mm K9 self-propelled howitzer. The impressive display marks the first time the K9 howitzer, along with its associated K10 ammunition vehicle, has been showcased.
The parade, which took place about 40 kilometers northwest of Suez, featured the K9 A1EGY howitzer labeled as such. As the howitzer was towed past the viewing stand on a trailer, it joined other artillery systems currently in service with the Egyptian military. Unlike the operational vehicles, this display unit did not bear any unit markings.
The 4th Armoured Division, known for its formidable arsenal, stood ready for inspection with its M109 self-propelled guns, M1A1 tanks, and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, solidifying its position as one of Egypt’s best-equipped formations.
In recent years, Egypt has taken significant steps to modernize and upgrade its military capabilities. One area of focus has been the enhancement of its artillery, which plays a crucial role in both defensive and offensive operations.
Notably, Egypt’s military-owned Arab International Optronics Company had previously signed a Technology Transfer (TOT) agreement with Hanwha Defense Group, enabling local production of the Automatic Fire Control System (FCS) and other electronic components for the K9A1 Self-propelled Howitzer. This agreement is expected to allow Egypt to manufacture nearly 70% of the artillery system components locally within five years, commencing production in 2023. The South Korean Hanwha Defense Group also played a pivotal role in a $1.7 billion contract signed in February for the procurement and technology transfer of the K9A1 artillery system.
The K9A1 EGY version, showcased with a desert scheme, is part of Egypt’s strategy to produce and promote this advanced self-propelled howitzer to countries within the Arab and African regions. In addition to meeting domestic military requirements, Egypt aims to export the K9 to neighboring nations. Mohamed Ahmed Morsi, the country’s Minister of State for Military Production, noted the nation’s ongoing negotiations with several Arab and African countries interested in acquiring the K9.
The K9, weighing 46.3 tonnes, is equipped with a 360-degree rotating turret and offers an impressive range of 18 kilometers with standard ammunition. This range can be extended to 30 kilometers using rocket-assisted projectiles or even further to 40.6 kilometers with advanced base-bleed ammunition. The vehicle boasts a top speed of 67 km/h.
With the introduction of the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Egypt anticipates retiring its 170 M109A5 vehicles and bolstering its military capabilities with this advanced and versatile artillery system.