Training finalises, introduction into service imminent for AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers

Australia has previously announced the firing of an Australian Defence Force AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer on Australian soil by Australian soldiers for the first time, in December last year.

The live-firing was conducted at Puckapunyal, Victoria, with School of Artillery and 4th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery personnel.

“The once distant thunder is rapidly approaching … 106 Bty, 4 Regiment, finalising their training on the Australian Army world-class self-propelled howitzers,” 3rd Armoured Brigade Commander Ben McLennan said in a public statement.

“Their training is transforming 4 Regiment into Army’s Armoured Artillery Regiment delivering unprecedented lethal fires in support of Army’s 3rd Armoured Brigade and the 1st (Australian) Division.

“Matching the world’s best platforms with the world’s best soldiers. King of the battlefield.”

Earlier this year, an Australian-built AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer was shown off to the public during an Australian Army Open Day at Puckapunyal. The military vehicle, manufactured by Hanwha Defence Australia, was presented to the public during the event held in Victoria on Saturday, 14 March.

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“It was an amazing year for 4 Regiment (in 2025), looking forward to 2026 bringing into service the new AS9 and AS10 Protected Mobile Fires capabilities,” according to a public statement from 4th Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery in March this year.

“The regiment is set to integrate the newly acquired Protected Mobile Fires platforms, consisting of the AS9 Huntsman and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, into its fleet.

“A formal parade and luncheon ceremony will be held at 3rd Brigade and Townsville to officially introduce these assets (in July), affording former regiment members the chance to examine the vehicles and reconnect with peers.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.