Australian-Made AS9 Huntsman Howitzers Roll Off Geelong Production Line

Why It Matters

Local manufacturing secures sovereign artillery capability and deepens Australia‑South Korea defence collaboration, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers. It also creates high‑tech jobs and positions Australia as a potential exporter of advanced armoured systems.

Key Takeaways

• First domestically built AS9 howitzers exit Geelong line
• Production supports LAND 8116 sovereign defence capability
• Local supply chain includes over 20 Australian partners
• Technology transfer from South Korea accelerates future vehicle programs
• AS10 resupply vehicle slated for later 2026 rollout

Pulse Analysis

Australia’s defence industrial strategy has long sought to shift critical weapon systems from import‑dependence to domestic production. The AS9 Huntsman, a self‑propelled howitzer derived from the proven K9 platform, embodies that shift. By establishing the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Geelong, the government and industry are creating a hub that not only assembles the artillery pieces but also integrates testing, training and lifecycle support under one roof, accelerating the LAND 8116 timeline and enhancing operational readiness.

The programme’s success hinges on an extensive technology‑transfer agreement with Hanwha Defence Australia. South Korean expertise in high‑calibre artillery, combined with Australian engineering and manufacturing talent, has fostered a deep‑skill workforce and a resilient supply chain that includes more than twenty local firms such as Kongsberg Defence Australia, Thales Australia and Bisalloy Steel. This collaborative model reduces procurement lead times, safeguards intellectual property within national borders, and lays the groundwork for future joint ventures in armoured vehicles, unmanned systems and advanced munitions.

Looking ahead, the forthcoming AS10 Huntsman Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle will complement the AS9 fleet, offering protected, rapid ammunition delivery and further reducing soldier exposure on the battlefield. The domestic production line positions Australia to export the Huntsman family to regional allies, strengthening strategic ties across the Indo‑Pacific. As the programme matures, it is expected to spur ancillary innovations, drive export revenue, and reinforce Australia’s standing as a sovereign defence manufacturing hub.