Hanwha Defence has unveiled the first three Australian-built AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers at its Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Geelong, Victoria, marking a major milestone in the LAND 8116 modernization program. The Australian Department of Defence initiative aims to deliver 30 domestically manufactured 155mm self-propelled artillery systems along with 15 armored ammunition resupply vehicles. These newly rolled-out platforms follow an earlier batch of three vehicles—two AS9s and one AS10—produced in South Korea and delivered in 2025. Hanwha confirmed that the latest howitzers will undergo additional trials and live-fire evaluations before formal induction and will also support training for Australian Army crews and maintainers in Geelong.
The AS9 Huntsman is based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder platform, which has a global fleet exceeding 2,400 units, including service with several NATO members. Its companion AS10 resupply vehicle, derived from the K10 variant, features an automated ammunition handling system to minimize crew workload and exposure. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower MTU MT 881 Ka500 engine, the Huntsman can exceed speeds of 60 km/h and is equipped with a 52-caliber main gun, supported by secondary weapons such as machine guns and grenade launchers. The first Australian-assembled AS10 is expected later this year, with full delivery of the LAND 8116 fleet planned by 2027.
