Defence & Space

Contract Signed for the Delivery of the Satellite Earth Observation System under the MikroSAR Program

The consortium of the Polish-Finnish company ICEYaE and the Polish company Military Communication Works No. 1 has signed a contract with the…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

Rafael Demonstrates Naval C-UAS Success Ahead of CNE Participation

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems tested its Typhoon 30 Remote Weapon Station to neutralize drones at various ranges during a demonstration…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Swedish A26 Submarine and Poland’s Orka Program

In early April, Saab organized a visit for representatives of the Polish defense media to the Saab Kockums shipyard, located in Karlskrona…

2025-05-08 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 16 minutes

Run-flat inserts – an essential component of modern military wheeled vehicles

For many years, it has been observed that wheeled chassis purchased and operated by the armed forces require additional equipment to enable…

2025-03-07 | Radosław Niesobski | 4 minutes

Rafael Demonstrates Naval C-UAS Success Ahead of CNE Participation

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems tested its Typhoon 30 Remote Weapon Station to neutralize drones at various ranges during a demonstration…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Poland and Belgium Strengthen Ties Amid Piorun Missile Deal

In Skarżysko-Kamienna, Poland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz met with Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken.…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Rohde & Schwarz enhances military spectrum monitoring capabilities

Rohde & Schwarz advances their military spectrum monitoring portfolio by launching easily deployable monitoring systems, designed to help armed forces optimize their spectrum management,…

2025-04-21 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Rafael has unveiled its improved MicroLite payload

During Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida, Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled its improved MicroLite…

2025-05-10 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Rheinmetall cooperates with DSTA in Singapore – innovation in simulation and training systems

German-based Rheinmetall AG and Singapore-based Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) agree on cooperation. Memorandum of Understanding signed on simulation…

2025-05-06 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Contract Signed for the Delivery of the Satellite Earth Observation System under the MikroSAR Program

The consortium of the Polish-Finnish company ICEYaE and the Polish company Military Communication Works No. 1 has signed a contract with the…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

Rafael Demonstrates Naval C-UAS Success Ahead of CNE Participation

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems tested its Typhoon 30 Remote Weapon Station to neutralize drones at various ranges during a demonstration…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Illegal Migration to Europe in the First Quarter of 2025

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has published statistics on attempted illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders…

2025-05-05 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is declared Fully Operational

Canadian-based Galvion company has announced that their European Production Hub in Poland is now fully operational.

2025-04-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Contract Signed for the Delivery of the Satellite Earth Observation System under the MikroSAR Program

The consortium of the Polish-Finnish company ICEYaE and the Polish company Military Communication Works No. 1 has signed a contract with the…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

Rafael Demonstrates Naval C-UAS Success Ahead of CNE Participation

Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems tested its Typhoon 30 Remote Weapon Station to neutralize drones at various ranges during a demonstration…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Canada: Seized Russian An-124 Ruslan Closer to Being Transferred to Ukraine

Ukrainian Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna announced that the Attorney General of Canada has filed a request with the Ontario Superior Court…

2025-05-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

CV90 Among Topics in Swedish-Lithuanian Defense Talks

Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas paid a visit to Stockholm, where he held talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on defense…

2025-04-23 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Contract Signed for the Delivery of the Satellite Earth Observation System under the MikroSAR Program

The consortium of the Polish-Finnish company ICEYaE and the Polish company Military Communication Works No. 1 has signed a contract with the…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

WB Group Delivered Components for ESA Satellites

WB Group delivered primary structures for the CHIME satellite developed by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of the European Space Agency…

2025-05-06 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

Direct Action Curtiss — chest rig for a heavier caliber

Direct Action offers a variety of chest rigs, each optimized for specific tasks. The Curtiss model is designed to carry three HK…

2025-04-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

New logo of Belgian arms manufacturer FN

The Belgian company FN (part of the FN Browning Group) has presented a new company logo and brand tagline.

2025-04-18 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Michael F. Dineen Promoted to President of Streamlight

Streamlight, Inc. announced that it has promoted Michael F. Dineen to President. Formerly Chief Revenue Officer, Dineen succeeds Raymond L. Sharrah.

2025-04-10 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X and TLR-8 HL-X sub

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X flashlight with an integrated laser sight, producing a beam with up to 1,000 lumens of power, offering…

2025-03-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Direct Action Curtiss — chest rig for a heavier caliber

Direct Action offers a variety of chest rigs, each optimized for specific tasks. The Curtiss model is designed to carry three HK…

2025-04-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025: Source Tactical with Ballistic Protection for Women

At the Source Tactical booth, not only popular hydration systems were showcased, but also personal ballistic protection—including armor specifically designed…

2025-02-26 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

New logo of Belgian arms manufacturer FN

The Belgian company FN (part of the FN Browning Group) has presented a new company logo and brand tagline.

2025-04-18 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20 for civilian shooters

Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom, a member of the Polish Armaments Group, has introduced the semi-automatic designated marksman rifle MSBS Grot .308 S20…

2025-03-11 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

TEST: Direct Action Vanguard Uniform

The Vanguard is a uniform set from the Polish brand Direct Action, designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers. There are…

2025-01-19 | Michał Gaweł | 18 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

South Korean K9 SPHs roll through the Baltics

The ongoing acquisition of South Korean K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) by a number of countries in the Central and Eastern Europe and Baltic Sea regions, like Estonia, Finland, Norway and Poland, will significantly enhance combat effectiveness of these countries armed forces, therefore, boosting their defense capabilities and improving the overall security system in Europe.

Estonia takes delivery of the first K9 Kõu SPHs

/ Photo by: Estonian MoD

/ Photo by: Estonian MoD

/ Photo by: Estonian MoD

At the end of August 2020 the Estonian Armed Forces took delivery of the first two 155-mm K9 Kõu SPHs. Following testes and further modifications, these artillery systems will be operated by a sub-unit of the country’s 1st Infantry Brigade in Tapa. Within the next 3 years Estonia will receive all 18 K9 SPHs ordered from the South Korean Hanwha Defense.

The Estonian Minister of Defense, Jüri Luig, perceives procurement of K9 howitzers as a major step forward in the modernization of the country’s armed forces, eventually leading to significant enhance of their operational capabilities.

‘The process, which began two years ago, has now gone so far that we can begin to technically adjust the SPHs to fully meet our needs. This is one of the most important defense procurements of the Defense Forces in recent years, the aim of which is to strengthen, above all, indirect fire capabilities.’ said Luik.

‘K9 is a well-suited and modern weapon system suitable for Estonian conditions, which was introduced in South Korea already in 1999. This weapon system also fits well into the Estonian climate, because South Korea, like Estonia, has four seasons and large temperature differences’, added Lieutenant Colonel Kaarel Mäesalu, Commander of the Mobile Artillery Procurement Project.

Although the K9 SPHs, which have just arrived in Estonia, are operational ready, they will have to undergo additional modification, prior to entering service. These will include, among others, covering them with a special paint scheme. Following enhancements, they will be transferred to the artillery battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade

In total, Estonia will purchase 18 155mm K9 Kõu SPHs. Deliveries will run through to 2023. The contract with Hanwha Defense also includes training services for instructors, crews and maintenance personnel, as well as supply of special equipment and spare parts. It is expected that K9 Kõu SPHs will remain in service for at least 30 years.

Norway takes delivery of first K9 SPHs

/ Photo by: Norwegian MoD

/ Photo by: Norwegian MoD

/ Photo by: Norwegian MoD

In midst September the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Norway has taken delivery of the first batch of a dozen 155mm K9 SPHs and three K10 ammunition supply vehicles, as they were delivered to one of seaports in northern Norway onboard a Ro-Ro Kvitnos cargo vessel.

Shortly after their disembarkation, they were loaded on trailer trucks and transported to a storage facility. In the next couple of weeks K9 SPHs and K10 supply vehicles will undergo a series of tests, which will confirm their compliance with technical requirements of the Norwegian Army. Subsequently, a training period for crews and operational personnel should commence, preceding entering into operational service.

The formal takeover ceremony of the first K9 SPHs took place on 19th September 2019 in Changwon, South Korea. The event was hosted by the vehicle’s manufacturer, Hanwha Techwin.

On 20th December 2017 Norwegian arms procurement agency, Forsvarsmateriell (FMA) signed a contract with the Hanwha Defense for delivery of 24 155mm K9 SPHs and 6 K10 supply vehicles for $226.6 million. Deliveries are expected to conclude by 2021. The agreement has an option for additional 24 SPHs and an unspecified number of supply vehicles.

Finland enhances field artillery capabilities with K9 acquisition

/ Photo by: Finnish MoD

/ Photo by: Finnish MoD

/ Photo by: Finnish MoD

In February 2017 a €146 million contract was signed, authorizing the Finnish Defense Forces to procure 48 second-hand 155mm K9 SPHs from South Korean Army’s stocks.

The Operational Artillery acquisition project was carried out as part of the comprehensive field artillery modernization project launched in 2014. Its purpose is to replace the currently operated field artillery units, which should be phased out of service in the coming years, with new and more modern weapon systems.

The goal of the Finnish MoD was to select and implement a far-reaching and mobile artillery system that could effectively support the operations of the country’s land forces. New 155mm weapon systems should have a life cycle of at lead 30 years.

At the beginning of the Operational Artillery project, several different options were considered. A request for information (RFI) was sent about the project, to which responses were also received from different countries. In the tender phase (RFQ), it became clear that South Korea would be interested in offering Finland its own little-used K9 Thunder SPHs. The offer proved to be interesting, and eventually the Finnish armed forces conducted tests of the South Korean K9 howitzer in Rovajärvi in ​​November 2016.

Following the tests, the Finnish Defence Forces suggested that Finland should procure surplus K9 SPHs from South Korean Army’s stocks. This should be complemented by forming a new unit type, namely, a heavy armoured howitzer battery.

Apart from the procurement of 155mm artillery systems, the Finnish land forces also required implementation of more modern and efficient fire control and command and control systems, as well as launching of a combat service supply and training programmes for K9 crews and maintenance personnel.

Poland – the major K9 operator in the region

/ Photo by: mjr Remigiusz Kwieciński/ Polish MoD

/ Photo by: st. szer. Wojciech Król/CO MON

/ Photo by: Paweł Ścibiorek

/ Photo by: kpt. Agnieszka Śmiechowska, Polish MoD

By 2024 the Polish Army should receive all of the 120 155mm Krab SPHs, delivered by the Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) company, which is a subsidiary of the Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ).

The Krab SPH is based on the K9 Thunder chassis from South Korean company Hanwha Techwin fitted with the British BAE Systems AS90/52 Braveheart turret and a L52 155mm gun system, all built and assembled at HSW on a license.

In December 2014 HSW reached an agreement with Hanwha Techwin regarding licensed production of the K9 chassis in Poland. Under the terms of the agreement, the first 24 vehicles were built in South Korea and shipped to Poland.

The 2014 contract included a transfer of technology, under which, a batch of additional 12 K9s were delivered in modules to be assembled in Poland by HSW and the remaining 84 will be built entirely in the country.

Acquisition of 120 Krab SPHs will lead to the formation of  five Regina artillery squadrons. Each squadron will be equipped with 24 howitzers. However, four of them will operate serial production Krabs, while the first one will field vehicles, which initially were fitted on a locally designed, faulty UPG-NG chassis from ZM Bumar-Labedy, another subsidiary of the PGZ. The UPG-NG chassis proved to be faulty, leading to a number of technical issues which prevented the Army from their further procurement and required selection of the replacement K9 chassis.

The first three serial production Regina squadrons should be formed by 2022 and the last one in 2023-2024.

Each Regina squadron will consist of 24 Krab SPHs as well as three command staff vehicles, eight command post vehicles, six ammunition supply vehicles and one mobile armament and electronics workshop vehicle.

The first serial production Krab SPHs were delivered to the Polish Army in March 2019. They were handed over to the 5th Artillery Regiment in Sulechow, western Poland, which is subordinate to the 12th Mechanized Division in Szczecin.

In late October 2020 another batch of 8 Krab SPHs and auxiliary vehicles were delivered to the Polish Army. New howitzers were handed over to the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment, which is a subunit of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division.

 

 

Article previously published on MILMAG 03/2020

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