Hanwha Aerospace Launches Groundbreaking Partnership to Modernize Romania’s Artillery with K9 and K10 Systems
Hanwha Aerospace has finalized a partnership with Romania for the supply of 54 K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and 36 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (ARV). This agreement, signed on 9th July by Hanwha Aerospace and the Romanian Ministry of National Defence, also includes munitions and supportive vehicles, both tracked and wheeled. The total contract is estimated to be around $1 billion.
Romania has become the 10th customer nation to adopt the 155mm/52-caliber K9 SPH. Within NATO, Romania stands as the sixth member to incorporate the K9, alongside Türkiye, Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia. Following Norway and Australia, Romania will be the third global operator of the K10, which offers a fully automated resupply capability designed to enhance the effectiveness of artillery units.
“This is a remarkable agreement that can further fortify the strategic alliance between the two countries,” stated Mr. Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “This contract not only covers artillery systems but also supporting vehicles and munitions, showcasing Hanwha Aerospace’s ability to deliver a comprehensive range of advanced defense solutions grounded in sophisticated technological prowess and premier production capacity.”
According to the agreement terms, Hanwha will deliver the vehicles in phases over the next five years, with the first batch expected by early 2027. The majority of the units will be produced in Romania, involving significant engagement from local suppliers.
“Hanwha Aerospace is committed to maximizing benefits for the Romanian defense sector through various localization strategies, which include domestic manufacturing of defense systems, job creation, technology transfer, and the establishment of a Center of Excellence for MRO operations in a newly developed facility in Romania,” indicated Mr. Peter Bae, Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe. “The integration of Romanian industry into Hanwha Aerospace’s extensive global supply chains is one of the key advantages Romania stands to gain from this partnership. Through this collaboration and future ventures, Romania could evolve into a strategic hub for Hanwha Aerospace’s land business within Europe.”
As part of its strategy to strengthen its collaboration with Bucharest, Hanwha Aerospace is advocating for the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) in Romania’s initiative to modernize its IFV fleet.
In 2023, the Redback was selected for Australia’s next-generation IFV as part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 program, aimed at delivering 129 vehicles, primarily manufactured at a plant in Geelong, Victoria. To secure this prestigious Australian IFV contract, the Redback efficiently completed the world’s most rigorous IFV evaluations, demonstrating its superior maneuverability and lethality when compared to other armored combat vehicles.
The Redback features a variety of avant-garde technologies, including composite rubber tracks, a hard-kill active protection system, a see-through helmet-mounted display, and a layered lethality system.
Given its flexibility and potential for growth, the Redback is well-positioned to meet the Romanian Army’s operational needs in response to evolving threats and future battlefield scenarios. A high degree of compatibility between the K9 and Redback in terms of powertrain and chassis is anticipated to enhance the operational, production, and maintenance efficiency of both systems.
About K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer
The K9 SPH was conceived in 1999 in partnership with the South Korean Agency for Defense Development. Dubbed “Thunder,” the K9 tracked artillery system is capable of delivering reliable, precise, rapid effects at distances exceeding 40 kilometers. The 47-ton K9 is optimized for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ capability, enabling it to fire multiple rounds and swiftly reposition to evade counter-fire.
Following modifications for the K9A1 version, the artillery system is receiving enhancements to include a fully automatic ammunition handling system. The autoloading next-generation artillery will be capable of firing more than 10 rounds per minute, necessitating only three crew members.
In 2022, the K9 User Club was established for the nations utilizing the K9 system to share experiences and knowledge regarding the operation, maintenance, and training on the K9 systems. Over 1,800 K9 vehicles are presently operational across nine countries, representing approximately 50 percent of the global SPH market.
About K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle
The K10 is an automated ammunition resupply vehicle constructed on the chassis of the K9 howitzer, sharing most of the components and attributes for logistical assistance.
This vehicle aids the K9 by transporting and resupplying 104 shells of 155mm artillery ammunition and 504 units of charges under difficult conditions. The vehicle can deliver munitions at a maximum rate of 12 rounds per minute, needing 37 minutes for a complete load. The fully automated ammunition resupply system guarantees efficiency in logistical operations and tactical maneuvers in challenging battlefield environments.
