MSPO 2022: Hanwha Defense from South Korea displays its K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

The South Korean Defense Company Hanwha Defense showcases its K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer as well as other sophisticated defense systems and technologies at the 30th edition of the MSPO International Defence and Security Technology fair that takes place in Kielce, Poland.

Hanwha Defense booth at MSPO 2022 defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland with scale model of K9 155 self-propelled howitzer and K10 tracked armored resupply ammunition vehicle. (Picture source Hanwha Defense)

This year’s MSPO comes on the heels of the massive arms acquisition deals between Poland and South Korea, for which Hanwha Defense was contracted to supply hundreds of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) and other equipment. Hanwha Defense signed the first phase of Executive Contract with Poland on August 26 to deliver a package of K9 artillery systems and ammunition between 2022 and 2026 as part of the Framework Agreement concluded in late July.

During the arms trade show, Hanwha Defense will present a variety of its defense capabilities, including the package solution of the K9 SPH and K9 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle; the futuristic Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle; and the BIHO II modular short-range air defense system. In addition, Hanwha Corporation, a sister company of Hanwha Defense, will showcase its precision-guided missiles and ammunition packages.

“Following the back-to-back framework and executive contracts with Poland, the MSPO 2022 will be the venue for us to show and prove our determination and capability to cooperate with the Polish Government and local industry by presenting a wide range of advanced defense solutions meeting the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces,” said Billy Lee Boo-hwan, Executive Vice President of Overseas Business Division, Hanwha Defense. “We’re fully committed to establishing stronger partnerships with the Government of Poland and industry stakeholders in the spirit of cooperation and trust.”

The Hanwha-Warsaw partnership has grown with the successful implementation of the AHS Krab project under a 2014 contract. Under the Krab program, Hanwha supplied the K9 chassis to Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) to build 120 Krab SPHs for the Polish Army.

In a move to expand its footprint in Poland and other European nations, Hanwha Defense plans to open a Polish business office by the end of 2022.

“I’m very proud that the partnership between Hanwha Defense and Poland has grown to enter a new phase of expanded cooperation based on the latest Framework Agreement and Executive Contract,” said Mr. Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense. “Poland will be a hub base for Hanwha’s global expansion, especially in Europe. To that end, we are dedicated to work together with the Government of Poland with full partnership and trust.”

Over 1,700 K9 units are currently in service with seven countries, including four NATO members (Turkey, Poland, Norway, and Estonia), while Australia and Egypt have ordered hundreds of K9s to enter service in the coming years.