The US Army announced that it had awarded South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace a contract to supply prototypes of the K9 self-propelled howitzer.
The company’s US unit, Hanhua Defense USA, will provide prototypes based on the K9 platform for the mobile tactical gun program, which aims to develop a highly mobile 155mm caliber gun system.
According to a statement from the Army, the agreement stipulates the rapid delivery of six prototypes, with an option to add 12 more. These platforms will undergo soldier-led operational trials to evaluate their performance, reliability, and supportability in simulated combat conditions. The potential deal is valued at $233 million.
Informed sources revealed that the company is considering producing the models at a facility in Alabama, as part of a strategy to localize manufacturing in the US market.
This contract comes as a new step in Hanwha's efforts to expand the global reach of the K9 cannon, which has entered service or been contracted for in several countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Romania, Norway and Finland.
