The K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) and the associated K10 ammunition refueling vehicle will be produced in Romania by South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, Peter J K Bae, head of Hanwha Aerospace Romania, told European Security Defense.
Hanwha’s center of excellence was presented by Defense Romania, in October, as a possible future hub where Redback combat vehicles would be produced for European clients.
Hanwha Aerospace Romania was registered in October 2024 to support the production in our country of the K9 and the associated K10 ammunition refueling vehicle.
„Establishing the branch in Romania is our key commitment to strengthen our presence in this country, contributing to Romania’s security and economy. This is also in line with a compensation agreement signed with the Romanian government for the K9 and K10 artillery systems contract,” explained Peter J K Bae.
Hanwha Aerospace Romania has already found some qualified local companies to participate in this program, but is continuing the search process to add more qualified local suppliers and subcontractors.
The construction of the factory will start at the middle of next year, and the self-propelled howitzers produced here are intended both for the Romanian army and for export.
„It will be the first local production facility in Europe built by Hanwha Aerospace”, explained the head of the company, who added that it will not only produce the K9 systems, but it will also serve for equipment testing, research and training activities, repairs and servicing.
Hanwha Aerospace Romania will also be able to produce IFVs
Hanwha Aerospace Romania will have the capability to produce infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), should the company win the contract for Romania or any other order in Europe.
The IFV K21 is in service with the South Korean military, but has also been selected by the Australian military, where it is known as the AS21 Redback.
When asked about the benefits Hanwha can bring to Romania by locally manufacturing the K9 SPHs and possibly the Redback IFVs, Bae stated that „Romania is attempting to strengthen its defense capabilities, and for this purpose it is very important to produce, provide and maintain defense equipment in a timely manner. In this sense, it is expected that the Hanwha Center of Excellence will contribute to the strengthening of Romania’s deterrence and defense capacity to a greater extent”.
Moreover, „based on active cooperation and partnerships with local defense companies, a relevant technological transfer will be carried out, which will lead to the development and modernization of the Romanian defense industry”, the South Korean explained.
The IFV military endowment program
A tender for the provision of IFBs to the Romanian Army is to be launched soon, as announced by the Romanian authorities, with the objective of their being produced in the country.
Romania will start the Infantry Fighting Vehicle equipping program. The total value of the endowment program is estimated at EUR 2.99 billion and involves equipping the Land Forces with 298 infantry fighting vehicles.
Hanwha Aerospace plans to enter the competition with their highly regarded military vehicle K21/Redback.
Possible arms delivery to Ukraine
South Korea announced in early November that it does not rule out direct delivery of weapons to Ukraine.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hinted at the time at a possible adjustment of Seoul’s policy in this respect, as a result of North Korean soldiers’ involvement in Ukraine.
„Depending on North Korea’s involvement level, we will now gradually adjust our support strategy, in several stages. This means that we do not rule out the possibility of supplying weapons”, declared the head of state.
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