Hanwha wins US Army Mobile Tactical Cannon contract
Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) has secured a pivotal contract with the U.S. Army, aimed at delivering prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers (K9MH) for the Army’s new Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program. The agreement entails the expedited delivery of six prototype MTC systems, with an option for an additional twelve. This award signifies HDUSA’s inaugural major contract with the U.S. Army.
Under the contract, HDUSA will provide a highly capable and swiftly deployable 155 mm artillery system, aligning with the U.S. Army’s modernization initiatives and long-range precision fires objectives. With over 2,500 K9 Howitzers already in operational use around the globe, Hanwha is poised to collaborate with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to create significant industrial capacity based on the company’s wartime production principles.
Hanwha’s localized production strategy will benefit the U.S. defense industrial base through advanced manufacturing techniques and job creation. HDUSA is establishing a Phase I site in Opelika, Alabama, which will serve as the U.S. integration and testing facility for the K9 Mobile Howitzers. By signing a three-year lease, the company underscores its short- and long-term commitment to invest in the U.S. artillery supply chain and to bolster the nation’s combat vehicle industrial base, thereby serving as a key partner in artillery modernization for the U.S. Army.
Mike Smith, HDUSA’s COO and President of Land Systems, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We’re honored that the U.S. Army has selected Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer to fulfill its Mobile Tactical Cannon requirement. The K9MH represents a comprehensive artillery solution and will play a crucial role in transforming Army Fires into a more modern and lethal force. This selection speaks to our proven ability to deliver exceptional capabilities efficiently, affordably, and at scale.”
The K9MH’s compatibility with the Army’s complete suite of munitions allows the U.S. to join nearly a dozen allied nations that share a global industrial network and supply chain.
Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, highlighted the importance of localization, stating, “Our global supply chain and local production experience in various countries, including Australia, Egypt, Poland, and Romania, reflect our commitment to delivering local execution in the U.S.” He further noted that localization is integral to Hanwha’s global business model, leveraging advanced industrial technologies and processes to build a robust industrial foundation in the U.S., across sectors such as shipbuilding, munitions, and combat vehicles.
Alex Wong, Chief Strategy Officer of Hanwha Group, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to the U.S. defense industrial base, stating, “This award is not just about delivering a system; it’s about establishing a manufacturing enterprise in America, transferring technology, and fostering a sustainable foundation for extensive industrial collaboration. Hanwha is committed to long-term investment in the U.S.”
Jason Pak, Head of Land Systems-Artillery at HDUSA, emphasized the company’s focus on creating a robust U.S.-anchored K9 Mobile Howitzer manufacturing network, with Opelika as the initial Phase I launch site. “We aim to deliver advanced Mobile Tactical Cannons at the required speed and scale for the U.S. Army,” he remarked.
HDUSA is poised to assess future phases and locations as the company expands its U.S. artillery systems footprint and production capability. The firm is dedicated to engaging with suppliers and developing a skilled workforce for sustainable operations and technology advancement.
In light of renewed efforts to fortify America’s defense industrial base, HDUSA believes its blend of established capabilities and unwavering industrial commitment will yield both immediate significance and enduring value for the U.S. Army.
About Hanwha Defense USA
As a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Defense USA specializes in delivering proven platforms with a history of process maturity across various markets and supply chains. The company is committed to cultivating local workforces required for production and maintenance throughout product life cycles, tailoring solutions to meet the demands of warfighters and industrial partners. Hanwha Defense USA continues to broaden its U.S. presence through organic growth, strategic industrial partnerships, and selective acquisitions.
