Spain partners with South Korea to produce a K9-based howitzer and replace its M109 fleet

Spain has taken a significant step in the modernization of its land forces by partnering with Indra and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to develop a new self-propelled artillery system based on the K9 Thunder.

What matters here is not just the platform selected, but the industrial model behind it.

The program is expected to be substantial in both scale and ambition. Current plans point to the acquisition of around 128 self-propelled howitzers, supported by a wider ecosystem of command, recovery, and ammunition resupply vehicles. The overall effort is designed to replace Spain’s aging M109 fleet and will likely extend well into the next decade, reflecting both the complexity and strategic importance of the project.

However, this is not a straightforward off-the-shelf purchase. Spain is not simply buying the K9. Instead, the agreement is structured around local development and production, with Spanish industry expected to take a leading role. This includes adapting the platform to national requirements, integrating domestic systems, and potentially positioning Spain as a future exporter within the European market.

Production will be centered in Spain, . The , which is being upgraded to support the program. 

In practical terms, the K9 serves as a technological foundation rather than a final product. The end result will likely be a “Spanishized” variant, shaped by local operational needs and industrial priorities. This approach mirrors a broader trend across Europe, where countries increasingly seek not just capability, but control over production and sustainment.

Production is expected to take place primarily in Spain, with a key industrial hub in Gijón. Hulls of the new howitzers are expected to be manufactured at Indra’s El Tallerón facility. Final integration of systems, however, will likely take place at a separate facility within Spain, still to be officially disclosed.

In previous K9 programs in countries such as Poland or Turkey, initial units were manufactured in South Korea before production gradually shifted to local facilities. This approach allows for faster initial deliveries while domestic industry builds up expertise and infrastructure.

At this stage, there is no official confirmation that Spain will follow the same path. Still, given the established export model of the K9 and the scale of the program, it would be a credible and logical scenario that early units could be produced in South Korea before full-rate production begins in Spain.

The choice of the K9 is not accidental. Over the past decade, it has emerged as one of the most widely adopted self-propelled artillery systems among NATO-aligned countries, offering a balance of mobility, firepower, and reliability. Its growing user base also brings advantages in terms of interoperability and long-term support.