K21 vs K9 Thunder
The K21 is a Armored Personnel Carrier, while the K9 Thunder is a Self-Propelled Artillery. The K21 weighs 25.6 tons vs 48.5 tons for the K9 Thunder. Top speed is 70 km/h for the K21 vs 67 km/h for the K9 Thunder. The K21 is armed with a SNT Dynamics K40 40×365mmR autocannon, while the K9 Thunder carries a CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun. The K21 has been produced in 466 units vs 1,136 for the K9 Thunder. Unit cost is $3.5M for the K21 vs $3.1M for the K9 Thunder. The K9 Thunder entered service 10 years before the K21 (1999 vs 2009).
| South Korean IFV, entered service in 2009, features a 40mm autocannon and carries up to nine troops. | |
| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Armored Personnel Carrier |
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Manufacturer | Hanwha Defense |
| Number produced | 466 units |
| Estimated unit price | $3.5 million |
| Introduced in 1999, the South Korean K9 Thunder is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer featuring an automated loading system and a 52-caliber main gun. | |
| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Self-Propelled Artillery |
| Type | 155 mm self-propelled howitzer |
| Manufacturer | Hanwha Aerospace |
| Number produced | 1,136 units |
| Estimated unit price | $3.1 million |
| Combat weight | 25.6 tons ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 70 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 500 km |
| Length | 6.90 m |
| Width | 3.40 m |
| Height | 2.60 m |
| Crew | 3 crew + 9 passengers |
| Engine | Doosan D2840LXE diesel 840 hp |
| Main armament | SNT Dynamics K40 40×365mmR autocannon |
| Secondary weapon | Two Raybolt ATGM launchers |
| Combat weight | 48.5 tons ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 67 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Length | -- m |
| Width | -- m |
| Height | -- m |
| Crew | 3 (2 in emergency) |
| Engine | 1,000 hp STX Engine SMV1000 diesel engine |
| Main armament | CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun |
| Secondary weapon | Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the K21 or K9 Thunder?
The K21 is faster with a maximum road speed of 70 km/h compared to the K9 Thunder's 67 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the K21 or K9 Thunder?
The K21 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the K9 Thunder's 0 km.
Which is heavier, the K21 or K9 Thunder?
The K9 Thunder is heavier at 48.5 tons combat weight compared to the K21's 25.6 tons.
Which is larger, the K21 or K9 Thunder?
The K21 is longer at 6.90 meters compared to the K9 Thunder's 0.00 meters.
How many crew members do the K21 and K9 Thunder require?
The K21 requires a larger crew of 3 crew + 9 passengers compared to the K9 Thunder's 3 (2 in emergency) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the K21 or K9 Thunder?
The K21 is more expensive at approximately $3.5 million per unit compared to the K9 Thunder at $3.1 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the K21 or K9 Thunder?
The K9 Thunder has been produced in greater numbers with 1,136 units compared to 466 units of the K21.
What are the main armaments of the K21 and K9 Thunder?
The K21 is armed with SNT Dynamics K40 40×365mmR autocannon while the K9 Thunder carries CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun as its main armament.