The US Army has taken a new step in modernizing its self-propelled artillery fleet by awarding Hanwha Defense USA a research and development contract to integrate a 58-caliber cannon into the K9 howitzer platform. The effort is being carried out under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) and is aimed at restoring extended-range fire capabilities following the cancellation of the Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program.
The agreement follows Hanwha’s recent proposal to the US Army that included a wheeled version of the K9 artillery system fitted with a 58-caliber barrel. The truck-agnostic mobile concept is derived from the 52-caliber K9A2 self-propelled howitzer, which has emerged as one of several platforms being considered to fill the operational gap left by ERCA’s termination.
According to Hanwha, the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center will integrate a US government-designed 58-caliber cannon into the K9 family of vehicles. While details on how many variants are being assessed remain undisclosed, the initiative aims to dramatically increase artillery range—from roughly 30 kilometers to as much as 70 kilometers—using a longer barrel design similar in concept to ERCA.
Hanwha is competing alongside BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, Elbit Systems, and General Dynamics, all of which have been selected to demonstrate candidate artillery solutions. Hanwha’s proposal also includes pairing the K9A2 with the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, enabling high sustained rates of fire. The company has stated its readiness to adapt the platform to US Army requirements and establish a fully domestic supply chain, supporting long-term production and sustainment.
