K9 Thunder vs M109 Paladin
The K9 Thunder and the M109 Paladin are both Self-Propelled Artillery, manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace and BAE Systems respectively. The K9 Thunder weighs 48.5 tons vs 38.0 tons for the M109 Paladin. Top speed is 67 km/h for the K9 Thunder vs 61 km/h for the M109 Paladin. The K9 Thunder is armed with a CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun, while the M109 Paladin carries a 155 mm M284 Cannon. The K9 Thunder has been produced in 1,136 units vs 7,000 for the M109 Paladin. Unit cost is $3.1M for the K9 Thunder vs $14.4M for the M109 Paladin. The M109 Paladin entered service 36 years before the K9 Thunder (1963 vs 1999).
| 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 |
| The M109 is a United States 155mm self-propelled howitzer introduced in 1963, serving as the primary indirect fire support weapon for Western armored and mechanized divisions. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Self-Propelled Artillery |
| Type | Self-propelled howitzer |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems |
| Number produced | 7,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $14.4 million |
| Combat weight | 48.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 67 km/h â—‰ |
| 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) |
| Combat weight | 38.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 61 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 300 km |
| Length | 9.75 m |
| Width | 3.15 m |
| Height | 3.25 m |
| Crew | 4 (section chief/commander, driver, gunner, ammunition handler/loader) |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 8V71T diesel, 440 hp |
| Main armament | 155 mm M284 Cannon |
| Secondary weapon | .50 caliber (12.7 mm) M2 machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the K9 Thunder or M109 Paladin?
The K9 Thunder is faster with a maximum road speed of 67 km/h compared to the M109 Paladin's 61 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the K9 Thunder or M109 Paladin?
The M109 Paladin has a longer operational range at 300 km compared to the K9 Thunder's 0 km.
Which is heavier, the K9 Thunder or M109 Paladin?
The K9 Thunder is heavier at 48.5 tons combat weight compared to the M109 Paladin's 38.0 tons.
Which is larger, the K9 Thunder or M109 Paladin?
The M109 Paladin is longer at 9.75 meters compared to the K9 Thunder's 0.00 meters.
How many crew members do the K9 Thunder and M109 Paladin require?
The M109 Paladin requires a larger crew of 4 (section chief/commander, driver, gunner, ammunition handler/loader) compared to the K9 Thunder's 3 (2 in emergency) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the K9 Thunder or M109 Paladin?
The M109 Paladin is more expensive at approximately $14.4 million per unit compared to the K9 Thunder at $3.1 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the K9 Thunder or M109 Paladin?
The M109 Paladin has been produced in greater numbers with 7,000 units compared to 1,136 units of the K9 Thunder.
What are the main armaments of the K9 Thunder and M109 Paladin?
The K9 Thunder is armed with CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun while the M109 Paladin carries 155 mm M284 Cannon as its main armament.