Hanwha Participates in AUSA... Proposes Wheeled K9A2 for U.S. Army Artillery Modernization

Strengthening the Supply Chain Through Local Production of 155mm Modular Charges
Hanwha Systems Targets Market with Anti-Drone Solutions and AESA Radar

Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems announced on October 13 that they are participating in 'AUSA 2025,' the largest land defense exhibition in North America, which opens in Washington DC, United States. At the event, they will present collaboration plans for localizing the wheeled K9A2 self-propelled howitzer and the 155mm Modular Charge System (MCS), both tailored to the U.S. Army’s artillery modernization program. The exhibition runs until the 15th and is expected to attract about 44,000 visitors from 92 countries worldwide. Hanwha has set up an integrated booth covering 279 square meters.

At the exhibition, Hanwha Aerospace is unveiling the wheeled K9A2, which features an automatic loading turret mounted on an 8x8 wheeled platform. The U.S. Army is currently pursuing the introduction of new self-propelled howitzers with enhanced range, precision, mobility, and improved reloading and sustained firing capabilities. The K9A2, which began system development in 2022 in partnership with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, is the next-generation model of the latest tracked self-propelled howitzer and is currently undergoing final performance verification. It is equipped with an automated ammunition loading and reloading system, increasing its rate of fire from the existing six rounds per minute to more than nine rounds per minute.

Hanwha seeks to strengthen security and economic cooperation with the United States by showcasing the K9 self-propelled howitzer and other products at the 'AUSA 2025' exhibition held in Washington DC from the 13th to the 15th. View of Hanwha's booth. Provided by Hanwha

Hanwha is also focusing on proposing ways to stabilize the supply chain by producing the Modular Charge System (MCS) locally in the United States. According to Hanwha, its MCS ensures consistent quality and production efficiency through smart factory-based automated manufacturing. The system is highly regarded for its compatibility with NATO-standard 155mm ammunition and its excellence in controlling firing pressure and range. With the ongoing shortage of 155mm ammunition since the Ukraine crisis, Hanwha plans to contribute to the stable supply of ammunition for the U.S. Army and its allies through local production.

Hanwha Systems is unveiling a multi-layered integrated protection system that combines a short-range compact AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar with anti-drone equipment. This system is designed to counter low-altitude UAV and drone threats through an integrated 'detection-identification-neutralization' process, making it suitable for surveillance and security operations in the U.S. homeland security sector. The short-range AESA radar has been introduced as a key sensor to maximize SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense) operational capabilities.

Son Jaeil, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, stated, "With the next-generation K9 model, the A2, which we are developing in cooperation with the government, we are now able to offer the optimal self-propelled howitzer solution to the U.S. Army. Hanwha will also work with the South Korean government to contribute to the Korea-U.S. alliance and economic cooperation."

Hanwha plans to use this exhibition as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with U.S. defense and industrial partners and to continue practical discussions, including the establishment of local production bases. Through these efforts, Hanwha aims to expand the global market for Korean defense products and further strengthen security and economic cooperation between South Korea and the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.