The U.S. Army has selected Hanwha Aerospace as the developer for its next-generation self-propelled howitzer prototypes. This marks a significant milestone as it represents the first export of South Korean military systems to the U.S. market, widely regarded as the strongest in the world, surpassing competitors from Germany and the U.K. Analysts suggest that this achievement contributes to strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance, following the business philosophy of Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon and Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.
On August 19, Hanwha Aerospace announced that its subsidiary, Hanwha Defense USA, has signed a contract to supply six K9 self-propelled howitzer (K9MH) prototypes to the U.S. Army. This contract marks Hanwha's first delivery of howitzers to the U.S. military.
After 76 years since the U.S. provided artillery support to South Korea during the Korean War, South Korea is now supporting the rebuilding of U.S. artillery capabilities.
The K9 howitzer is the main artillery system for South Korean forces, deployed in both front-line and rear divisions. It is also in operation in over ten countries, including Turkey, Norway, India, and Egypt.
In the bidding process, Hanwha outperformed global defense companies such as Elbit America, which included competitors like Anduril and Oshkosh Defense, as well as Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, and Leonardo.
The contract is valued at $103 million (approximately 141.7 billion won) over four years, with the U.S. Department of Defense adding an option for an additional 12 units. If the total supply reaches 18 units, the overall contract value could rise to approximately $262.9 million (370 billion won).
The U.S. Army plans to evaluate the performance, reliability, and maintainability of the K9 through operational tests simulating actual combat conditions. Once finalized, the K9 will replace the M777 towed howitzers currently in use by U.S. Army units.
This contract not only validates the competitiveness of the K9 but also establishes a foothold for Hanwha in the U.S. market. The achievement is particularly significant amid growing uncertainties regarding security issues between South Korea and the U.S., especially after President Donald Trump directed a significant reduction in the recent joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS).
Since the 2020s, the U.S. has been pursuing a development project for a new self-propelled howitzer equipped with advanced artillery systems (ERCA). Due to deteriorating international conditions, the need for long-range troop and equipment deployment has led to a shift towards acquiring more mobile wheeled self-propelled howitzers.
Hanwha Aerospace and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration have closely collaborated from the early stages of the project through to the final contract, sharing key issues regularly. They maintained swift discussions and government-level support right up to the final stages of securing the contract.
This contract reflects the extensive network that Chairman Kim Seung-yeon has built in the U.S. over many years, as well as his philosophy of 'business for the country.' He has consistently emphasized the importance of viewing defense as a critical national industry and fostering it as a global export industry rather than limiting it to domestic markets.
Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan identified the opportunity for this project when the U.S. Army's budget proposal, announced in March 2024, included funding for wheeled self-propelled howitzers. Subsequently, Hanwha began the development of the K9MH aimed at the U.S. market.
A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, "This contract is a significant achievement for the K9 howitzer's entry into the world's largest defense market and represents a new chapter in the South Korea-U.S. alliance, where South Korean military systems will help protect the U.S. We will establish a stable production base in the U.S. through a differentiated localization strategy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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