Hanwha Aerospace Unveils Cutting-Edge Armored Vehicle Manufacturing Hub in Australia
Hanwha Aerospace revealed today that it has finalized the establishment of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Australia. This signifies the inaugural international production hub launched by a Korean defense enterprise.
“This facility embodies Hanwha’s dedication to Geelong, Victoria, and Australia, illustrating that the company is centered on the future of initiatives within this region, including howitzers, vehicles, and various advancements in technology beyond our current projects,” stated Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “H-ACE stands as a crucial element of our worldwide defense supply chain, further enhancing the alliance between Australia and Korea. We will persist in partnering with Australian enterprises and strive to incorporate more of them into our global supply networks.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence The Hon Richard Marles MP, South Korea’s DAPA Minister Jong-gun Seok, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, and Head of Land Capability Major General Richard Vagg attended the official opening ceremony of H-ACE, alongside other dignitaries from across the globe. This facility is anticipated to fortify the connection between Australia and South Korea, reinstating high-tech vehicle manufacturing in the Geelong area.
H-ACE is poised to commence the manufacturing of the AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and the AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle. The target is to deliver 30 and 15 units of each, respectively, to the Australian Army. Furthermore, the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which has obtained a supply agreement for 129 units, will be produced at H-ACE, subsequent to the successful provision of prototype products post-2026.
Hanwha Aerospace is hastening its entry into the AUKUS markets via the completion of the Australian manufacturing facility. As the demand for defense products escalates in the Indo-Pacific region amid geopolitical tensions, initiatives are being undertaken to leverage H-ACE as a production center not only for Australia but also for key allied nations.
The H-ACE facility, constructed on an area of roughly 150,000 square meters, encompasses a total of 11 installations including the primary building, production facility, assembly plant, driving test area, and shooting range. Situated an hour’s drive from Melbourne and just 10 minutes from Avalon Airport, the region’s accessibility offers logistical and recruitment benefits.
