- Brent Ingraham visited Hanwha Aerospace’s defense production facilities in Changwon on Aug. 26
- The U.S. delegation observed robotic welding and other automated manufacturing processes
- Hanwha conducted demonstrations of the K9MH, K9A1 and Chunmoo systems
Hanwha Aerospace hosted Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Brent Ingraham and his delegation at its defense production facilities in Changwon, South Korea, on Aug. 26, the aerospace and defense company announced Wednesday.
What Did the Army Delegation Observe?
The group visited the K9 production line to assess Hanwha’s capabilities to manufacture rocket systems, artillery and other land defense hardware. The delegation observed K9 Mobile Howitzer systems in production, as well as robotic welding and other automated manufacturing processes.
Live demonstrations of the K9MH, K9A1 and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system were also conducted, showcasing Hanwha’s broader land systems portfolio. Discussions on Hanwha’s manufacturing capabilities and Army modernization priorities closed out the visit.
How Is Hanwha Expanding US Production?
Hanwha said the Changwon complex has supported serial production of the K9 family for South Korea, Poland, Australia, Egypt and other allied nations. The company is pursuing a phased localization strategy for K9MH production and support in the U.S., following its recent Army contract to prototype the system for the Mobile Tactical Cannon program.
Hanwha Defense USA received a $100 million Army contract in August to deliver six K9MH prototypes, with an option for 12 additional systems. The agreement could be worth up to about $263 million if all options are exercised.
Hanwha Defense USA’s integration and test facility in Opelika, Alabama, is part of the company’s U.S. artillery manufacturing network. Future phases of U.S. production are under evaluation as Hanwha prepares to scale manufacturing to meet Army requirements.
The production effort builds on Hanwha’s broader push to deepen U.S.-South Korea defense industrial cooperation. The company previously hosted senior U.S. military and defense officials in Seoul in May for discussions on defense capabilities and potential areas for cooperation.
Hanwha Defense USA CEO Michael Coulter said the company’s manufacturing capabilities and global production experience will help strengthen deterrence and support the U.S. industrial base, adding that defense industrial cooperation has become an increasingly important part of the seven-decade U.S.-South Korea alliance.
