Could Ukraine Get the Australian Huntsman Self-Propelled Artillery?
It might be too soon to tell, but this is one bad mama jama.
Australia just got its hands on the first AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer from South Korea, and if you’re a defense enthusiast, this is a big deal. The Huntsman is a beast—based on South Korea’s battle-tested K9 Thunder, it packs a 155mm gun that can lob shells up to 60 kilometers with specialized rounds.
And of course, Australians being, well, Australian, named the system after one of the cutest arachnids from down under, the Huntsman Spider.
Ugh, Spiders.
Could Ukraine get either the K9 Thunder or the Huntsman any time soon? You might be surprised. But first, let’s talk about specs.
The K9 Thunder and the AS9 Huntsman are nearly identical, with the AS9 being an Australian variant of this South Korean self-propelled howitzer (SPH), sharing the same chassis, turret, and main armament.
Both feature a 155mm/L52 howitzer, capable of firing standard and advanced NATO artillery shells. With base rounds, they have a range of ~40km, but extended-range shells can push this beyond 50km.
Both use a diesel engine (~1000 hp, 8-cylinder) and hydropneumatic suspension for maneuverability across rough terrain.
They both feature advanced automatic fire control systems, GPS navigation, and digital battlefield integration.
The Huntsman is operated with a standard crew of 4-5 personnel.
Our Aussie friends have a much longer barrel on the Huntsman than American towed artillery, forcing me to go buy a Corvette to compensate for my little, inadequate American M777 Howitzer. Although it’s not the size that matters, or so I’m told.
This delivery kicks off a $788 million contract signed in 2021 between Canberra and Hanwha Defense Australia. Over the next few years, 30 Huntsman howitzers and 15 AS10 armored resupply vehicles will roll out of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, pronounced Jah-long. The whole fleet should be in service by 2027.
Australia’s transition from the towed M777 to the Huntsman is a big leap in firepower, mobility, and survivability. The M777, while light and easy to airlift, lacks the armor and mobility of a self-propelled system, making it vulnerable to counter-battery fire. The Huntsman solves that problem by allowing fire-and-move tactics, reducing the window for enemy retaliation.
One of the Huntsman’s standout features is its firepower. Equipped with a 155mm/52-caliber gun, it can fire three rounds in 15 seconds and sustain a rate of six to eight rounds per minute—almost double the sustained rate of older artillery systems. When using specialized rounds, it can hit targets up to 60 kilometers away, vastly increasing its reach compared to the M777’s 18-22 km range.
Built on a tracked chassis, the Huntsman can maneuver across rough terrain while keeping up with mechanized forces. This means it can reposition quickly after firing—a necessity in modern artillery warfare where counter-battery radar systems make stationary positions a death sentence.
Unlike towed artillery, which requires setup time before firing, the Huntsman can stop, fire, and relocate within minutes.
Survivability is also significantly improved. The AS9 features reinforced armor and protection against anti-tank mines, a crucial upgrade given the increasing use of loitering munitions and artillery duels in modern warfare.
Crews benefit from enhanced protection inside a fully enclosed cabin, unlike the exposed positions of towed artillery teams. Additionally, the system includes an advanced fire control system from Kongsberg, which allows for greater accuracy, faster target acquisition, and seamless integration with NATO allies.
Climate adaptability was a key factor in the Huntsman’s modifications for Australia. Unlike its South Korean predecessor, the Huntsman is built to handle extreme heat and desert environments, featuring improved air conditioning and upgraded cooling systems to keep both crew and electronics functioning optimally in high temperatures.
The Huntsman doesn’t operate alone. Its companion vehicle, the AS10 armored resupply vehicle, automates much of the reloading process, reducing crew exposure and increasing operational efficiency. This pairing ensures a sustained rate of fire over extended engagements—something that will be vital in future conflicts where rapid and sustained artillery barrages can decide battles.
However, when compared to towed artillery, there are some downsides.
Self-propelled artillery is significantly more expensive to acquire, maintain, and operate compared to towed artillery. The Huntsman requires constant fuel supply to remain operational, making logistics more complex compared to the lightweight, manually towed M777. Then again, the M777’s towing vehicle needs fuel also.
At nearly 52 tonnes, the Huntsman requires specialized transport and may not be as easily deployed by air as the M777, which can be sling-loaded by helicopters.
The Huntsman’s tracked chassis, engine, and automated systems require more frequent maintenance and specialized personnel to keep them operational.
On the flip side, towed artillery, like the M777 Howitzer, have several key advantages:
At just over 4 tonnes, the M777 can be transported by helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook, making it ideal for rapid deployments and airborne operations.
Towed howitzers are cheaper to procure, maintain, and operate, making them a cost-effective option for sustained artillery fire.
Since it doesn’t rely on an engine or fuel, the M777 can be transported using standard trucks and requires less logistical support than a self-propelled system.
The M777 is highly accurate and compatible with GPS-guided shells like the M982 Excalibur, capable of hitting targets up to 40 km away.
Which Is Better? It depends…
For fast-moving, high-intensity warfare (like Ukraine’s conflict), self-propelled artillery like the Huntsman is superior due to its mobility, rapid response, and survivability.
For airborne operations, expeditionary forces, or budget-conscious militaries, the M777 remains a valuable option due to its lower cost, ease of transport, and long-range precision capabilities.
Lessons from Ukraine
Here’s where things get interesting. Ukraine’s war has been a real-world laboratory for artillery combat, and the results speak for themselves.
Highly mobile self-propelled systems like the German PzH 2000 and French CAESAR have been crucial for Ukraine’s shoot-and-scoot tactics. The Huntsman, with its mobility and range, fits right into that mold.
One of the biggest takeaways from Ukraine’s artillery battles is the importance of mobility and survivability. Fixed positions are death traps in modern warfare, with counter-battery radars and drones making it easier than ever to track and destroy stationary guns. Ukraine has used a mix of self-propelled howitzers and towed systems, with the latter proving increasingly vulnerable under Russia’s constant surveillance.
The Huntsman’s ability to move immediately after firing gives it a key advantage in avoiding counterstrikes.
The war has also shown us the need for sustained resupply. Ukraine’s artillery units burn through thousands of shells daily, making logistics a crucial factor in effectiveness. The Huntsman, paired with the AS10 resupply vehicle, offers a semi-automated system that speeds up the reloading process and reduces crew exposure.
This approach mirrors what Ukraine has been forced to do manually—keeping artillery constantly mobile and well-supplied to avoid destruction.
Another critical lesson is interoperability. Ukraine has received artillery from multiple countries, leading to a mix of calibers, fire control systems, and logistical needs. The Huntsman’s compatibility with NATO-standard munitions ensures it can integrate seamlessly into allied operations, something that has been a challenge for Ukraine’s forces juggling different platforms.
Given Australia’s recent military aid to Ukraine—including Bushmaster armored vehicles—could the Huntsman be next on the list?
While there’s no official talk yet, Ukraine’s growing need for advanced self-propelled artillery means it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kyiv made an inquiry.
Besides, what better way to quality test your new artillery than to throw that shit into battle against the Russians?
However, the real reason why either the K9 Thunder or the Huntsman might end up in Ukraine is the end of US military support. Ukraine will need Europe and Australia to step up now more than ever.
With South Korea ramping up production of its K9 Thunder and Australia manufacturing the Huntsman domestically, there’s a clear supply chain ready to support such a move. If Ukraine were to receive Huntsmans in the future, it would provide a much-needed boost to its long-range firepower and reinforce its ability to conduct fast, precise strikes against Russian positions.
Given what we know about the evolution of warfare in Ukraine, is “shoot and scoot” the future of artillery?
Australia’s artillery modernization isn’t just about upgrading firepower; it’s about reshaping how the Australian Army fights. The shift to self-propelled systems means rethinking logistics, resupply tactics, and even command structures.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has been relentless in securing cutting-edge artillery from Western allies. If Australia were to transfer even a handful of Huntsman artillery down the road, they’d slot seamlessly into Ukraine’s evolving arsenal.
For now, Australia is focusing on integrating the Huntsman into its own forces. But as we’ve seen with military aid in this war, today’s national defense asset can quickly become tomorrow’s frontline reinforcement.
And if Ukraine eventually fields the Huntsman, it’ll be another sign of how Australia has become a steadfast ally to Ukraine over the past three years.
That’s it for today, friends.
And as always, glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes, Crimea is Ukraine.
The Huntsman would be great for Ukraine. Accelerating production in Australia would benefit both countries.
Thanks for that breakdown. Slava Ukrainia!