Earlier this month, the Australian Defence Force carried out long-awaited live-fire trials of its new 155 mm AS9 Huntsman self-propelled artillery system, produced by Hanwha Defense Australia. For the Australian military, this event represents a truly "significant milestone in the development of the Army's combat capability," as highlighted by the country's defense authorities.
This marks the first time in several decades that Australia's armed forces have introduced a self-propelled artillery system into service. The procurement process itself is revealing: it took Australia 17 years to acquire just 30 self-propelled howitzers for its army.
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The acquisition program dates back to 2005. In 2010, South Korea's K9 Thunder was selected as the preferred option. However, in 2012, the competition was cancelled after the allocated funding was redirected to nationwide flood recovery efforts.
The program was revived in 2019. The following year, the launch of a formal tender was announced, and in late 2021 the Australian government officially confirmed the signing of a contract with Hanwha Defense Australia. The agreement covers 30 K9 self-propelled howitzers in an Australian-specific configuration designated AS9 Huntsman, based on the AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle, as well as 15 AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The total value of the contract amounts to USD 890 million.
Following the completion of all required training and preparation activities, the AS9 Huntsman systems will be inducted into service with the Australian Army's 3rd Brigade. Deliveries are expected to continue for approximately two years.
Earlier, Defense Express reported that Australia is considering transferring its Tiger attack helicopters to Ukraine after effectively retiring its Taipan transport helicopters.
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