Former US generals see Hanwha’s K9 howitzer and K10 resupply vehicle as key assets for US Army modernization.

On November 1, 2024, a delegation of retired U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and South Korean Army generals, organized by the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation (KUASF), visited Hanwha Aerospace’s Changwon production facility. The group examined the production lines for key systems, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) and the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (ARV), reflecting ongoing discussions around strengthening defense industry cooperation between South Korea and the United States. Among the delegates were Retired Generals Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Walter L. Sharp, Robert B. Abrams, Leem Ho-young, and Major General Shin Kyung-soo, who discussed ways to advance defense collaboration between the allies.
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General Sharp, speaking on the utility of the K9 SPH and K10 ARV, indicated that these systems could add value to U.S. defense resources beyond the alliance’s shared interests. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Shin Hyun-woo, President of Hanwha Aerospace’s Public Affairs Office, welcomed the generals and underscored the significance of such exchanges in adapting the ROK-U.S. alliance to shifting security requirements. The American retired generals noted the facility’s manufacturing capacity and its ability to meet international demand through automation. General Sharp, speaking on the utility of the K9 SPH and K10 ARV, indicated that these systems could add value to U.S. defense resources beyond the alliance’s shared interests. Retired General Abrams referenced his direct experience with the K9A1 during his tenure as USFK commander, describing its capabilities and highlighting the K10’s robotic ammunition resupply system as an innovative feature.

These discussions coincided with Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, currently participating in the U.S. Army’s Self-Propelled Howitzer Performance Demonstration program. The U.S. Army is considering new self-propelled howitzer systems, with the K9A2 among the candidates. Hanwha Aerospace USA CEO Mike Smith stated, “The K9 is the world’s most proven self-propelled howitzer solution. It not only delivers long-range firepower but also can be used in manned and unmanned combined operations, making it ideal for meeting the U.S. Army’s performance requirements.” The K9 artillery system, first developed in 1999, remains recognized for its firepower, mobility, and extended range of over 40 kilometers. A recent upgrade includes a fully automatic ammunition handling system, which would allow the K9 to fire at a rate exceeding nine rounds per minute with a minimal crew.

Supporting the K9, the K10 ARV provides logistical support under combat conditions, using the same chassis as the K9. The K10 can transport and transfer 104 rounds of 155mm ammunition at a maximum rate of 12 rounds per minute, enhancing operational efficiency for the K9.

General Sharp and Retired General Abrams emphasized the value of the K9 SPH and K10 ARV for U.S. defense, with Abrams noting the K10’s robotic resupply system as a notable innovation. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

Hanwha was recently awarded the ROK-U.S. Alliance Award by the KDVA and KUSAF for its role in promoting South Korea-U.S. defense and economic collaboration. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il accepted the award, reiterating the company’s role in supporting security interests shared by both nations.

At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 exhibition, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) presented the K9A2, an upgraded version of the K9 featuring an automatic turret and a firing rate of up to 10 rounds per minute. The K9A2 can integrate with Raytheon’s M982A1 Excalibur guided munitions, achieving precision engagement at distances nearing 50 kilometers. Additional improvements, such as composite rubber tracks from Soucy Defense, reduce vehicle weight and improve crew comfort, positioning the K9A2 as a suitable option for U.S. Army artillery modernization efforts.

Hanwha Aerospace also showcased the Grunt unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), a next-generation model of the Arion-SMET. The Grunt UGV offers a range of 290 kilometers and a payload capacity up to 900 kilograms. Hanwha Systems exhibited its Integrated Warfare System (IVS) and an advanced MRO platform to explore potential entry into the U.S. defense market.

The K9 series holds over 50% of the global market share for self-propelled howitzers, with around 2,000 units in service across multiple countries. The extensive use of the K9 reflects sustained demand for this artillery system in diverse operational contexts.

Future developments for Hanwha’s artillery systems include the K9A3, an unmanned, long-range variant with a 58-caliber barrel for precision strikes at over 80 kilometers. The K9A3 is designed to support Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations and meet various strategic artillery requirements. Hanwha also introduced the K11A1 Fire Direction Control Vehicle at the KADEX 2024, built to control K9A3 units remotely, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. The K11A1, equipped with reinforced armor and a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), enables autonomous coordination of up to three K9A3 howitzers.

With its expanding presence in global defense markets, Hanwha Aerospace’s technological advancements in artillery systems, unmanned vehicles, and integrated warfare systems reflect South Korea’s ongoing contributions to allied defense initiatives within the ROK-U.S. partnership.

Retired General Abrams referenced his direct experience with the South Korean self-propelled howitzer during his tenure as USFK commander, describing its capabilities and highlighting the K10’s robotic ammunition resupply system as an innovative feature. (Picture source: Army Recognition)