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Australian Army gunners have fired the incoming K9 self-propelled howitzer as part of familiarisation training held in South Korea.
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Townsville-based gunners were among nine members attending the training on the K9 self-propelled howitzer to become future instructors on the vehicles, which will be primarily operated by 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville by 2028.
When Lance Bombadier Lachlan Kirk fired a K9 for the first time, he realised the shock didn’t compare to the standard towed M777 artillery piece.
“The recoil was good, it’s not as full-on as the M777,” he said.
LBDR Kirk was one of nine Aussie gunners on familiarisation training in South Korea to become future instructors on the vehicle.
This included each of them blasting 155mm rounds from the K9 for the first time.
Because the K9 has an automatic aiming system, LBDR Kirk said it was as simple as reviewing the fire control system data, aiming, and pressing a button to fire it.
“The main gunner has a screen in front of them where they review the firing solution provided by the fire direction centre. They then press a button to operate and lay (aim) the gun,” he said.
The self-propelled howitzer also has manual mode and a semi-automatic mode with a joystick for directional adjustments or direct fire.
They also learnt how to perform a lot of operator maintenance, such as removing the muzzle and tracks for repairs.
Sergeant Jake Brown, from Townsville’s 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, has been an instructor on the M777 and said the main difference was being able to shoot and move quickly.
If moving, the K9 can stop and fire within 60 seconds, or if stationary, 30 seconds.
“It will be able to fire rounds and move from that position immediately so you don’t receive counter-battery fire,” SGT Brown said.
He said the most beneficial part of the course was driver training. Tactically manoeuvring a 50-tonne armoured vehicle is something the gunners have not needed to do with the M777.
“Driving tracked vehicles is going to be new to everybody who’s coming through, and getting qualified on the system,” he said.
Towards the end of next year, there will be a more in-depth, train-the-trainer course for potential instructors so they can teach trainees from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery at Puckapunyal.
The Australian AS9 Huntsman and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, which are based on the Korean K9 and K10, will have increased internal height, modernised direct fire and fire control systems, additional storage, and air conditioning.
Thirty AS9s and 15 AS10s are expected to be in service in the Army by 2028 and will be primarily operated by 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Townsville.
