Hanwha Aerospace Unveils Historic Deal to Equip Romania with K9 and K10 Artillery Innovation
Hanwha Aerospace finalized an agreement with Romania for the provision of 54 K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and 36 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (ARV). This agreement, executed on 9th July by Hanwha Aerospace and the Romanian Ministry of National Defence, also encompasses munitions and supportive vehicles, both on tracks and wheels. The contract is valued at approximately $1 billion.
Romania has emerged as the 10th customer nation utilizing the 155mm/52-calibre K9 SPH. Among NATO members, Romania ranks as the sixth nation to employ the K9, joining Türkiye, Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. Following Norway and Australia, Romania will also be the third global operator of the K10, which provides a fully automated resupply capability aimed at enhancing the efficacy of artillery forces.
“This is an exceptional agreement that can further strengthen the strategic alliance between the two nations,” commented Mr. Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “This contract encompasses not only artillery systems but also supporting vehicles and munitions, demonstrating Hanwha Aerospace’s competency to deliver a comprehensive suite of advanced defence solutions rooted in its sophisticated technological expertise and top-tier production capacity.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Hanwha will supply the vehicles in phases over the subsequent five years, with the initial delivery anticipated by early 2027. Most units are slated for production in Romania, involving substantial participation from local suppliers.
“Hanwha Aerospace is dedicated to maximizing advantages for the Romanian defense industry through diverse localization initiatives, which incorporate local manufacturing of defense systems, employment, technology transfer, and the establishment of a Center of Excellence for MRO operations in a newly developed facility in Romania,” stated Mr. Peter Bae, Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe. “The integration of Romanian industry into Hanwha Aerospace’s extensive global supply chains is among the advantages Romania could derive from this collaboration. Through this partnership and future projects, Romania could evolve into a hub for Hanwha Aerospace’s land business within Europe.”
As part of its strategy to expand its partnership with Bucharest, Hanwha Aerospace is proposing the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for Romania’s IFV modernization initiative.
In 2023, the Redback was chosen for Australia’s next-generation IFV as part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 program aimed at delivering 129 vehicles, predominantly manufactured at a facility in Geelong, Victoria. To secure this prestigious Australian IFV contract, the Redback successfully completed the world’s most rigorous IFV evaluations, exhibiting its superior maneuverability and lethality compared to other armored combat vehicles.
The Redback boasts a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including composite rubber tracks, a hard-kill active protection system, a see-through helmet-mounted display, and a layered lethality system.
With its adaptability and growth potential, the Redback is poised to fulfill the Romanian Army’s operational requirements in response to evolving threats and future battlefield scenarios. A high degree of commonality between the K9 and Redback concerning powertrain and chassis is expected to enhance the operational, production, and maintenance efficiency of both systems.
About K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer
The K9 SPH was developed in 1999 in collaboration with the South Korean Agency for Defense Development. Nicknamed “Thunder,” the K9 tracked artillery system can deliver reliable, precise, rapid effects at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers. The 47-ton K9 is optimized for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ capability, allowing it to fire multiple rounds and swiftly relocate to avoid counter-fire.
Subsequent to modifications for the K9A1 version, the artillery system is receiving upgrades to include a fully automatic ammunition handling system. The autoloading next-generation artillery will be capable of firing more than 10 rounds per minute, requiring only three crew members.
In 2022, the K9 User Club was inaugurated for the K9 user countries to exchange experiences and expertise regarding the operation, maintenance, and training on the K9 systems. Over 1,800 K9 vehicles are currently operational across nine nations, constituting around 50 percent of the global SPH market.
About K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle
The K10 is an automated ammunition resupply vehicle built on the chassis of the K9 howitzer, sharing most of the components and features for logistical support.
The vehicle can assist the K9 by transporting and resupplying 104 shells of 155mm artillery ammunition and 504 units of charges under adverse conditions. The vehicle transfers munitions at a maximum rate of 12 rounds per minute, requiring 37 minutes for a complete load. The fully automated ammunition resupply system ensures efficiency in logistical support and tactical maneuvers in challenging battlefield conditions.
