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U.S. Army Awards Hanwha $262.9M for K9 Prototype Howitzers

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a $262.9 million contract for six K9 howitzer prototypes, with an option for 12 more, the first U.S. Army purchase of a Korean-made weapon.
The Army will run operational experiments to assess performance, reliability and supportability before deciding on full fielding.
Hanwha Defense USA will accelerate delivery, open a test facility in Opelika, Alabama, after its shares rose up to 9.5 % in early trade.

History

Historical Context

South Korea launched the K9 howitzer program in 1989 to replace aging artillery and reached 87 % domestic content by 1998; after successful exports to Norway and Poland, the U.S. Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a 2026 contract for six K9MH prototypes with an option for 12, extending the pattern of adopting allied artillery systems.

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Story summary

The U.S. Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a $262.9 million contract for six K9 howitzer prototypes, with an option for 12 more, the first U.S. Army purchase of a Korean-made weapon.
The Army will run operational experiments to assess performance, reliability and supportability before deciding on full fielding.
Hanwha Defense USA will accelerate delivery, open a test facility in Opelika, Alabama, after its shares rose up to 9.5 % in early trade.

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