Full Breakdown
Hanwha Aerospace Establishes First European Production Facility in Romania
2/12/2026, 11:51:37 AM
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks New Industrial Partnership
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has commenced construction on its first European production facility, the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) Europe, located in Petresti, Dâmbovita County. This facility is part of a long-term industrial partnership with Romania, aimed at bolstering the country's defense manufacturing capabilities and contributing to NATO and broader European security objectives. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by notable Romanian officials, including Marius-Gabriel Lazurca, Vice Prime Minister Barna Tanczos, and Economy Minister Ambrozie-Irineu Darau, alongside Yong-chul Lee, Minister of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
Facility Specifications and Production Goals
The H-ACE Europe facility will span approximately 181,055 square meters and will feature advanced assembly lines, performance and validation testing facilities, a 1,751-meter driving test track, and dedicated research and development laboratories. Initially, the site will focus on the production of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, with plans to achieve up to 80% localization through Romanian industry participation. The facility is expected to evolve into a core production site for various advanced land systems, including infantry fighting vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Hanwha Aerospace anticipates that future expansions, particularly linked to an infantry fighting vehicle program, could create up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, thereby strengthening Romania’s defense industrial base. The company is collaborating with over 30 Romanian partners as part of its localization strategy, aiming to integrate them into its global supply chain through technology transfer and skills development.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the construction of a production facility. It is the foundation for Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s evolution into a truly Romanian defence company.” He further noted that the company is committed to transforming Romania into a producer and exporter within the global defense market, with “Made in Romania” at the core of their approach.
In July 2024, Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract with Romania to supply 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, marking Romania as the tenth member of the K9 User Club and the sixth NATO country to operate the K9 system. Established in 2025, Hanwha Aerospace Romania will focus on long-term industrial cooperation and defense capability development in Romania and across Europe.
Criticism and Opposition
While the project has been largely welcomed, some critics express concerns regarding the implications of increased military production in Romania and its potential impact on regional security dynamics. However, specific dissenting voices were not detailed in the available sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the construction of a production facility. It is the foundation for Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s evolution into a truly Romanian defence company, and a strategic platform for long-term defence cooperation between our two countries.” — Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace
- “Son said: “Hanwha Aerospace is committed to working alongside Romania so that it can grow not only as a buyer, but as a producer, seller, and exporter within the global defence market.” — Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace
