AS-9 based on Samsung's K-9 Thunder-155mm self propelled howitzer (photo : Raytheon)South Korean firm Samsung Techwin, in partnership with US company Raytheon, is expecting to clinch a AU$450m deal to provide the Australian Army with 18 155mm self-propelled artillery systems.
The company expects to clinch the deal after a consortium led by a German firm Krauss-Maffei Wegmann failed to participate in final tender negotiations with the Australian Government.
The German firm, in association with BAE Systems Australia, was seeking to supply its PZH-2000 guns.
Raytheon Australia has teamed with South Korea’s Samsung Techwin to offer the AS-9 Aussie Thunder. Based on the next generation K9 Thunder 52 calibre 155mm SPH, AS-9 brings a battle management system fully compatible with the Australian Army’s standard 155mm ammunition, support for planned special munitions such as Excalibur, and proven integration with Raytheon’s Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System/AFATDS. (image : Raytheon).
The Samsung-Raytheon team is offering a modified version of the K-9 weapon. The K-9, an indigenous all-welded steel armour construction rated to withstand impact by 14.5mm armour piercing shells, has been developed jointly with the state-funded Agency for Defence Development.
The self-propelled artillery system carries a 155mm/52 calibre gun with a maximum firing range of 40km and includes a 1,000-horsepower engine and a hydropneumatic suspension unit.The government is expected to announce a final bidder as early as September, an official of the Defence Acquisition Programme Administration said.