Australian Army Introduces AS9 Huntsman Howitzer: A New Era in Artillery
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The Australian Army has marked a significant milestone by firing the AS9 Huntsman 155mm self-propelled howitzer on Australian soil for the first time. This event signals the start of intensive training for crews as they prepare to incorporate this advanced artillery system into their operations.
The AS9 Huntsman is set to enhance the capabilities of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade. This brigade is currently undergoing a substantial transformation, with a variety of new military equipment scheduled for integration.
This marks Australia’s inaugural experience with a self-propelled howitzer. The AS9, an adaptation of South Korea’s K9 from Hanwha Aerospace, will significantly extend the range of the army’s artillery reach to approximately 25 miles.
Maj. Gen. Jason Blain from the Australian Ministry of Defence highlighted the strategic advantages of the AS9, describing it as a “highly mobile, protected and potent self-propelled howitzer, which gives our troops the best possible chance of completing their missions and returning home safely to their families.” He further emphasized its swift mobility post-firing, ensuring continued armored protection for soldiers.
The acquisition plan includes 30 AS9 Huntsman units alongside 15 AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles. A majority of these are being constructed by Hanwha Defence Australia at a newly established facility near Melbourne.
Brigadier Ben McLennan, head of the 3rd Brigade, expressed that his unit is transitioning into a heavy armored formation. This transformation is supported by the addition of the AS9 and other assets.
The brigade is also set to receive advanced military hardware, including M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicles, and Boxer 8×8 combat reconnaissance vehicles. Deliveries of the first batch of AS9 howitzers are expected in 2026, with the majority arriving by 2027.
The 3rd Brigade, comprising 3,000 personnel, has already been equipped with a full set of Abrams tanks. Brigadier McLennan noted, “We’ve received the first batch of combat engineer vehicles too: the Assault Breaching Vehicle and Joint Assault Bridge. We’ll secure the balance of the engineer platforms over the coming 12-18 months.”
Looking ahead, the delivery of Redback vehicles from Hanwha is scheduled between 2027 and 2030. These will be preceded by the arrival of Boxers between 2028 and 2029, following their deployment to the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade.
McLennan acknowledged the challenges posed by the rapid infusion of advanced weaponry, describing it as “a very steep learning curve.” He noted, “These platforms are a step change for us – cognitively, tactically and physically.”
Despite recent conflicts highlighting the prominence of drones and loitering munitions, McLennan maintains that heavy armor retains its relevance, emphasizing traditional military skills and strategies. He remarked, “What the Ukraine-Russian war also shows us is that, the more things change, the more they stay the same,” underscoring enduring military principles.
