Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) announced today that it will submit its mature and available K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH) in response to the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP). In addition to its technical superiority and unmatched affordability, Hanwha is offering production and supply chain localization that will bring proven advanced manufacturing, demonstrated defense technology, and rewarding American jobs. However, it is Hanwha’s wartime production ethos that is the most valuable offering to the U.S. Army.
HDUSA is uniquely positioned to partner with the Department of War (DoW) to establish high-volume industrial capacity centered around a wartime production ethos. HDUSA will provide the Army with a mature, available, low-risk, and rapidly fieldable 155mm artillery system that supports its modernization and long-range precision fires objectives.
“Born out of war, Hanwha takes a system-level view of the Long-Range Precision Fires mission. A Total Artillery Solution goes well beyond platforms. It’s production, it’s the projectile, the propelling charge, fire control and C2 integration,” said Mike Smith, Hanwha Defense USA COO and President of Land Systems. “The Army is taking a similar system-of-systems approach to artillery modernization – innovating at the round, committing to a proven platform with ample margin for planned tech insertion, and employing a new robust resupply capability.”
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Download free sample pages More information“Hanwha is prepared to invest in the U.S. industrial base through a phased-in localization strategy that expands domestic production and support. This is simply part of our model, whether it be shipbuilding, munitions, or combat vehicles,” said Michael Coulter, Hanwha Defense USA CEO.
Under this approach, Phase 1 would be in Alabama where HDUSA is building its initial U.S. manufacturing and support foundation. Hanwha is focused on expanding production capacity, engaging with suppliers, and developing the workforce of the future necessary for long-term sustainment and technology insertion activities (e.g. 58 caliber tube upgrades and autonomous software integration).
Domestically, “Alabama is the launch point. We will continue to evaluate future phases as we expand our U.S. footprint,” said Jason Pak, Hanwha Defense USA Head of Land Systems – Artillery. “Our U.S. facilities, combined with Hanwha’s global supply chain and production experience in Australia, Poland, Egypt, and Romania, form the basis of a proven model of execution. Localization is a habit, not a one-off endeavor.”
At a time when the U.S. is placing renewed focus on strengthening America’s defense industrial base, HDUSA believes this combination of capability and industrial commitment offers both near-term relevance and long-term value.
This announcement follows HDUSA’s recent commitment to invest approximately $1.3 billion to build a new munitions facility in Arkansas as Hanwha expands its domestic manufacturing footprint.
HDUSA expects to share additional details as it sets out to create a U.S.-anchored manufacturing network capable of delivering at speed and at scale.
