Hanwha unveils K9 howitzer concept with VTOL drone integration

Hanwha Aerospace has presented a K9 self-propelled howitzer concept linked directly with a vertical-takeoff-and-landing fire-guidance drone. The uncrewed aircraft would detect and track targets, pass coordinates to the fire-direction system, observe impacts and support battle-damage assessment, shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle. The concept was shown at the fifth K9 User Club meeting in Tartu to operators and observer nations. It demonstrates an integration path for the widely used artillery family, but Hanwha announced no customer order, fielding schedule, production configuration or assurance that every K9 variant will receive the capability.