Hanwha Secures U.S. Army Contract for Mobile Tactical Cannons
The U.S. Army has tapped Hanwha Defense USA to deliver prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers, marking the South Korean firm's first major defense contract in the country. This selection for the Mobile Tactical Cannon program initiates an immediate supply of six prototypes, with a potential follow-on order for an additional 12 units.
The agreement signals a shift in the Army's modernization strategy, aiming to integrate the battle-tested 155mm platform into its long-range precision fires inventory. To support the rollout, Hanwha is establishing an integration and testing facility in Opelika, Alabama. This site functions as the primary hub for the company’s phased-in localization strategy, which seeks to blend Korean manufacturing processes with the U.S. domestic industrial base.
Mike Smith, President of Land Systems at Hanwha Defense USA, described the K9MH as a foundational element for the Army’s transformation into a more lethal force. The platform is designed to be compatible with existing U.S. munitions, allowing the military to tap into the same global supply network currently utilized by allies including Poland, Australia, and Romania. By anchoring production in Alabama, Hanwha aims to prove its capability to deliver heavy artillery at scale while fostering local workforce development and technology transfer.
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