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Army Awards Hanwha $262.9M for Six K9 Howitzer Prototypes

8/19/2026

47 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Hanwha Wins Contract

The Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a contract worth up to $262.9 million for six prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers, with an option for 12 more.
Hanwha Defense USA will deliver the first prototype by early fall 2026 and the remaining five within a year.
Hanwha Defense USA leased a facility in Opelika, Alabama in April 2026.
The Army will evaluate the K9MH for up to four years before a larger purchase.

Summary

Hanwha Secures Deal

Hanwha beat Rheinmetall and BAE Systems to win the Mobile Tactical Cannon contract.
The K9 has been exported to nine nations since 2001, including Poland and India.
The Army halted its ERCA program in 2024 over quality issues, opening space for the K9MH.
Experts say the win may revive South Korea’s defence industry after the failed Canadian submarine bid.

History

Historical Context

After the U.S. Army selected the British-designed M777 in 2001, the lightweight 155 mm howitzer, 41 % lighter than the M198, entered combat in Afghanistan and was later exported to Australia, Canada and other allies. This precedent of sourcing overseas systems underlies the 2024 contract to South Korea’s Hanwha Defense USA for K9 howitzers, showing continued reliance on allied manufacturers.

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Hanwha Wins Contract

The Army awarded Hanwha Defense USA a contract worth up to $262.9 million for six prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers, with an option for 12 more.
Hanwha Defense USA will deliver the first prototype by early fall 2026 and the remaining five within a year.
Hanwha Defense USA leased a facility in Opelika, Alabama in April 2026.
The Army will evaluate the K9MH for up to four years before a larger purchase.

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