1274
A delegation of retired USFK and South Korean army generals, organized by the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) and the Korea-US Alliance Fund (KUASF), visited Hanwha Aerospace's manufacturing facility in Changwon. The group inspected production lines for key systems, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) and the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (ARV), reflecting ongoing discussions on increased defense industry cooperation between South Korea and the United States. Among the delegates were retired generals who discussed ways to develop defense cooperation between the Allies.
Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, is currently participating in the US Army Self-Propelled Howitzer Performance Demonstration Program. The US Army is considering new self-propelled howitzer systems, with the K9A2 among the candidates. Hanwha Aerospace USA CEO Mike Smith said:
"K9 is the world's most proven self-propelled howitzer solution. Not only does it provide long-range firepower, but it can also be used in manned and unmanned combined operations, making it ideal for meeting the requirements of the US military."
The K9 artillery system, developed in 1999, remains recognized for its firepower, mobility and extended range of over 40 kilometers. A recent upgrade includes a fully automatic ammunition handling system that will allow the K9 to fire at a rate of over nine rounds per minute with a minimal crew.
Supporting the K9, the K10 ARV provides combat logistics support using the same chassis as the K9. The K10 can transport and transfer 104 rounds of 155 mm caliber at a maximum rate of 12 rounds per minute, increasing the operational efficiency of the K9.
Hanwha was recently awarded the ROK-US Alliance Award by KDVA and KUSAF for its role in promoting defense and economic cooperation between South Korea and the US. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Song Jae-il accepted the award, affirming the company's role in supporting the security interests shared by both countries.
At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) introduced the K9A2, an updated version of the K9 with an automatic turret and a rate of fire of up to 10 rounds per minute. The K9A2 can integrate with the Raytheon M982A1 Excalibur guided munition, providing precision engagement at a distance of about 50 kilometers. Additional improvements, such as composite rubber tracks from Soucy Defense, reduce vehicle weight and improve crew comfort, positioning the K9A2 as a viable option for the US Army's artillery upgrade.
Hanwha Aerospace also demonstrated the Grunt Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a next-generation model of the Arion-SMET. The Grunt UGV offers a range of 290 kilometers and a load capacity of up to 900 kilograms.
The K9 series occupies more than 50% of the world market share of self-propelled howitzers, about 2000 units are in service in many countries. The widespread use of the K9 reflects the continued demand for this artillery system in a variety of operational conditions.
Future developments for Hanwha's artillery systems include the K9A3, a long-range unmanned variant with a .58-caliber barrel for precision strikes over 80 kilometers. The K9A3 is designed to support manned and unmanned group operations (MUM-T) and meets a variety of strategic artillery requirements. At KADEX 2024, Hanwha also introduced the K11A1 fire control machine, which is designed to remotely control the K9A3 units, improving operational safety and efficiency. Equipped with reinforced armor and a remotely controlled weapons station (RCWS), the K11A1 provides autonomous coordination of up to three K9A3 howitzers.
