Hanwha Aerospace announced that its K9 self-propelled howitzer (K9MH) has received the U.S. Army designation 'XM1776,' derived from the year of American independence, 1776.
In August, Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract to supply prototypes of the K9MH for the U.S. Army's Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, delivering the first prototype this month. The U.S. Army assigns designations starting with 'X' for equipment in the development and testing phase, which are later changed to remove the 'X' upon official adoption. The designation 1776 symbolizes the K9's role in defending American freedom.
The receipt of a U.S. designation based on the year of independence, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence, adds special significance to U.S.-South Korea defense cooperation.
Additionally, Hanwha Aerospace set up a 300-square-meter exhibition booth at the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition, showcasing the K9 self-propelled howitzer. The K9MH prototype, manufactured in Changwon, was transported from South Korea by air on September 24. The exhibition also featured the K9 tracked howitzer and the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, which shares the same chassis as the K9.
In the guided missile and launcher display area, the booth featured the multiple launch rocket system Chunmoo, three types of guided missile pods, and a full-scale model of the Chunmoo guided missile. The air defense display area included a medium-range surface-to-air missile (M-SAM) launcher, multifunction radar, and long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) missiles and launchers.
A Hanwha Aerospace official stated, 'The timely delivery of the XM1776 prototype and the establishment of local production bases in Alabama and Arkansas will position us as a reliable partner for the U.S. Army.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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