The AS9 Huntsman SPHs on parade at Lavarack barracks. Photo: ADF.
The Australian Army has held a parade in Townsville to welcome into service its new Protected Mobile Fires Battery.
Soldiers from 106 Battery, 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery commemorated the introduction into service the Army’s first Hanwha AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers (SPH) and AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles (ARV) at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The six AS9s and three AS10s provide 3rd Brigade with a protected, mobile and highly responsive 155 mm artillery capability that can rapidly manoeuvre, deliver indirect fire support and quickly displace to enhance battlefield survivability.
The entry into service milestone follows the first AS9 operator training course conducted at Puckapunyal in Victoria in April and May. 106 Battery will soon conduct its initial collective training during Exercise Pozieres Run, as it builds up towards being able to field a fully operational capability (FOC) in 2028.
The Huntsman is being acquired through the army’s Project LAND 8116 Batch 1 to provide 30 AS9 SPHs and 15 AS10 ARVs.
The first two AS9 SPHs and first AS10 ARV were manufactured by Hanwha in South Korea, and arrived in Australia in February 2025.
Local production of the remaining 42 vehicles at Hanwha Defence Australia’s 20-hectare Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) at Avalon Airport, near Geelong, also began in February 2025.
The AS9 is capable of speeds of more than 60 km/h and carries a 52-calibre 155 mm main gun that can fire shells with precision over tens of kilometres. The similar AS10 is based on the AS9 running gear but, instead of carrying a gun, has an automatic reloading capability for the SPH in the field and under fire.
The Army’s other howitzer capability is the towed M777A2 which requires additional support vehicles and longer times to be set up or be moved. While the M777 still has a place for fixed fire support positions, the SPH adds more flexibility in its ability to be rapidly employed and moved as required.
Army 3rd Brigade AS9s with Bushmaster support vehicles on parade in Townsville. Photo: ADF.
