Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 11:00AM GMT Mon, 10 July, 2024

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with the Romanian Ministry of National Defence to deliver modern artillery systems, marking a significant development for both South Korea’s and Romania’s defence sectors. The arrangement, worth around $1 billion, comprises the delivery of 54 K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and 36 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (ARV), as well as accompanying ammunition and support vehicles. The contract was formally signed on July 9, 2024.

Romania has joined a restricted group of countries that use the 155mm/52-caliber K9 SPH, becoming the tenth. Romania is the sixth NATO member, after Turkey, Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia using this modern artillery system. Romania is the third global operator of the K10 ARV, after Norway and Australia. The K10’s fully automated resupply capabilities considerably improves the efficiency of artillery units, making it an important tool in modern military operations.

“This is a remarkable deal that can further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries,” commented Hanwha Aerospace’s President and CEO, Jaeil Son. “This contract involves not only artillery vehicles but also supporting vehicles and ammunition, representing Hanwha Aerospace’s capability to provide a total package of advanced defence solutions based on its high level of technological expertise and world-leading production capacity.”

The contract states that Hanwha plans to deliver the vehicles in stages over the next five years, with the first delivery due in early 2027. A large amount of the manufacture will take place in Romania, utilizing local suppliers and maximizing benefits for the Romanian defence sector. “Hanwha Aerospace is committed to maximizing benefits to the Romanian defence industry through various types of localization programmes, which include local production of defence equipment, local employment, technology transfer, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for MRO operations in a new greenfield facility in Romania,” according to Peter Bae, vice president of Hanwha Aerospace Europa.

Hanwha Aerospace also offers the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for Romania’s IFV upgrading programme. The Redback was picked for Australia’s next-generation IFV under the LAND 400 Phase 3 programme features a number of novel technologies, including composite rubber tracks, a hard-kill active protection system, a see-through helmet-mounted display, and a layered lethality system.

The K9 SPH, designed in 1999, is known for its “Shoot and Scoot” capabilities, which allows it to fire numerous rounds while moving quickly to avoid counter-shot. The system is being updated to the K9A1 model, which has a fully automatic ammunition handling system capable of firing more than 10 rounds per minute with only three crew members. The K10 ARV, based on the K9 chassis, aids logistics by resupplying 155mm artillery ammunition under combat situations, ensuring efficiency in logistical support and tactical moves.


Hanwha Aerospace, established in 1977, is a global leader in aerospace and defence, providing a diverse range of world-class products and services. The company’s contributions go beyond land combat vehicles to include precision-guided weapons and engines for air, space, and maritime systems. The systems integrator for South Korea’s space launch vehicles, is at the forefront of the country’s space initiatives.

For more detailed information on Hanwha Aerospace’s projects and collaborations, visit their official website.