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K9 Thunder vs PLZ-45

K9 Thunder vs PLZ-45 at a glance — weight 48,500 vs 33,000 kg, top speed 67 vs 55 km/h, crew 3 (2 in emergency) vs 5 (commander, gunner, two loaders and a driver).

K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery side profile drawing
🇰🇷 K9 Thunder
PLZ-45 self-propelled artillery side profile drawing
🇨🇳 PLZ-45
Specifications
K9 Thunder PLZ-45
Origin country 🇰🇷 South Korea 🇨🇳 China
Category Self-Propelled Artillery Self-Propelled Artillery
Type 155 mm self-propelled howitzer Self-propelled howitzer
Manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace Norinco
Number produced 1,136 units -- units
Estimated unit price $3.1 million $7.1 million
Combat weight 48.5 tons 33.0 tons
Maximum speed 67 km/h 55 km/h
Operational range -- km 450 km
Length -- m 10.50 m
Width -- m 3.30 m
Height -- m 2.60 m
Crew 3 (2 in emergency) 5 (commander, gunner, two loaders and a driver)
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Powertrain
K9 Thunder PLZ-45
Main armament CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun 155 mm, 45-calibre main gun
Secondary weapon Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) W-85 heavy machine gun
Engine 1,000 hp STX Engine SMV1000 diesel engine 525 hp Deutz turbocharged air-cooled diesel engine
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the K9 Thunder or PLZ-45?
The K9 Thunder is faster with a maximum road speed of 67 km/h compared to the PLZ-45's 55 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the K9 Thunder or PLZ-45?
The PLZ-45 has a longer operational range at 450 km compared to the K9 Thunder's 0 km.
Which is heavier, the K9 Thunder or PLZ-45?
The K9 Thunder is heavier at 48.5 tons combat weight compared to the PLZ-45's 33.0 tons.
Which is larger, the K9 Thunder or PLZ-45?
The PLZ-45 is longer at 10.50 meters compared to the K9 Thunder's 0.00 meters.
How many crew members do the K9 Thunder and PLZ-45 require?
The PLZ-45 requires a larger crew of 5 (commander, gunner, two loaders and a driver) compared to the K9 Thunder's 3 (2 in emergency) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the K9 Thunder or PLZ-45?
The PLZ-45 is more expensive at approximately $7.1 million per unit compared to the K9 Thunder at $3.1 million.
What are the main armaments of the K9 Thunder and PLZ-45?
The K9 Thunder is armed with CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun while the PLZ-45 carries 155 mm, 45-calibre main gun as its main armament.