Breaking News: South Korea Pushes Rocket Launcher and Howitzer Deal in Canada Against Rival U.S. Offer.

South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace has submitted two major defense proposals to the Canadian government, aimed at significantly enhancing Canada’s artillery capabilities and naval power. The proposals focus on supplying Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRSs) and self-propelled howitzers. According to information published by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on May 5, 2025, these offers are separate from Hanwha’s submarine bid revealed a day earlier. They align with Ottawa’s strategic goals under the Indirect Fires Modernisation (IFM) programme, launched in March 2025, and could exceed $1 billion in value depending on the systems and configurations ultimately selected.
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South Korean Defense Company Hanwha Aerospace offers advanced artillery systems to Canada against U.S. military equipment options.  (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The South Korean bids were presented at a time when many Canadians—growing increasingly concerned about trade tensions with the United States under the renewed Trump administration, including trade war measures and controversial rhetoric about annexation—have been urging the federal government to reconsider major defense procurements from U.S. firms. This sentiment has been especially evident in public opposition to the F-35 fighter program, with rising calls to cancel or scale back American defense acquisitions in favor of allied alternatives that promote national autonomy and economic resilience.

Hanwha Aerospace’s artillery package includes advanced self-propelled howitzers and rocket artillery systems modeled after the U.S.-made M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Specifically, the offer is believed to feature the K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer and the K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), both of which are currently in service with South Korea and numerous international customers. The Canadian Armed Forces plan to replace their aging fleet of 33 155mm towed M777 howitzers with between 80 and 98 new self-propelled 155mm systems, as part of the IFM programme. The remaining inventory of 121 towed 105mm C3 and LG1 Mk II howitzers will remain in reserve force units.

The K9 Thunder is a modern 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer developed by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development and produced by Hanwha Aerospace. Designed to provide rapid, accurate, and sustained fire support, the K9 can deliver six to eight rounds per minute and boasts a maximum firing range of over 40 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles. It is equipped with an advanced automatic fire control system, GPS navigation, and inertial positioning systems, allowing it to execute fast "shoot-and-scoot" tactics essential for surviving in high-threat environments. The K9 has been widely adopted by NATO and allied forces, including Australia, Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia, establishing itself as one of the most combat-proven and export-successful artillery systems in the world.

The K239 Chunmoo is a state-of-the-art multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) mounted on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, offering high mobility and flexibility on the battlefield. Developed to replace older rocket artillery systems in South Korea, the Chunmoo is capable of launching various calibers of rockets—including 130mm, 230mm, and 239mm guided and unguided munitions—with ranges between 36 and 80 kilometers depending on the payload. It features modular launch pods and an automated fire control system, enabling quick reloads and seamless integration with command-and-control networks. Its adaptability and precision strike capability have attracted international buyers such as Poland, which ordered the system to supplement its HIMARS fleet, underscoring the Chunmoo’s operational relevance within NATO-standard forces.

The proposal emphasizes rapid delivery timelines and offers long-term industrial benefits to Canada, including the possibility of setting up domestic maintenance infrastructure and even manufacturing centers. According to South Korean defense officials cited by CBC, such cooperation would not only deliver cutting-edge artillery systems but also support Canadian defense industry jobs and technological growth.

Hanwha Aerospace’s recent international track record strengthens its credibility in this bid. The K9 Thunder has emerged as one of the most successful self-propelled howitzers globally, while the K239 Chunmoo MLRS has similarly gained traction among NATO-aligned nations for its flexibility and advanced targeting capabilities. These platforms represent technologically mature and combat-ready alternatives to more expensive or politically sensitive U.S.-made systems.

Meanwhile, Canada has already indicated strong interest in the American M142 HIMARS through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, with a proposed CAD 5 billion procurement package that includes launchers, munitions, fire control systems, and support equipment. The South Korean proposal, therefore, enters a competitive environment, but could potentially provide a cost-effective and strategically autonomous alternative—especially with its promise of localized production and technology transfer.

Ultimately, Hanwha Aerospace’s dual-proposal strategy—covering both advanced artillery and armored vehicles—represents a bold effort to position South Korea as a key defense partner for Canada. The outcome of Canada’s ongoing procurement processes under the IFM programme will be pivotal in shaping the future structure and capabilities of its land forces, and Hanwha’s comprehensive approach may find favor with policymakers seeking both operational capability and strategic independence.