R.O.K.. Army K9A1 SPH 1:35 Academy 13561

Plastic model kit: R.O.K. Army K9A1 SPH 1:35 Academy 13561

We present a plastic model kit of the South Korean self-propelled howitzer K9A1 in 1:35 scale, produced by the renowned company Academy. This model is an excellent representation of one of the most modern artillery systems used by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 13561

About the model: K9 Thunder is a South Korean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed and developed by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and private corporations such as Dongmyeong Heavy Industries, Kia Heavy Industry, Poongsan Corporation, and Samsung Aerospace Industries. It is currently produced by Hanwha Aerospace. K9 Thunder operates in groups with the supply vehicle variant K10.

The entire K9 fleet used by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea is currently undergoing modernization to the K9A1 version, and the next variant K9A2 is being tested for production. Since 2022, the K9 series has held a 52% share of the global market for self-propelled howitzers.

Development history: In the 1980s, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea needed a new artillery system to compete with North Korean equipment. At that time, the self-propelled guns M107 and the self-propelled howitzers K55 had a shorter firing range compared to the M-1978 Koksan and were outnumbered by various North Korean artillery. Success in designing and producing towed howitzers KH178 105 mm and KH179 155 mm, along with the experience gained from the licensed production of K55 (KM109A2), prompted the Ministry of Defense to commission the development of a new system with a longer firing range, faster rate of fire, and high mobility. Development began in 1989 under the leadership of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (ADD) and Samsung Aerospace Industries (now Hanwha Defense).

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.