S.Korea Likely to Upgrade K9 Howitzers

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is endorsing a plan to upgrade homegrown K9 self-propelled howitzer.

The Defense Project Promotion Committee gave the nod to the 2.36 trillion-won ($1.81 billion) basic plan for the second upgrade project of the K9 scheduled to run through 2027, Yonhap News Agency reported citing the DAPA.

The "Block-I" upgrade project seeks to automate the ammunition loading process of the K9's main gun to reinforce its swift strike capabilities and enhance combat efficiency, it said.

The automation is expected to reduce the number of personnel required to operate the self-propelled howitzer and improve the crew members' safety.