Hanwha Defense USA has secured a contract from the U.S. Army to deliver prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers (K9MH) for the service’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, marking the company’s first major contract with the U.S. Army.
Under the agreement, Hanwha will deliver six prototype MTC systems on an accelerated schedule, with an option for an additional 12 systems.
The K9MH is a 155 mm artillery system based on Hanwha’s K9 Howitzer family and is designed to support the U.S. Army’s artillery modernization and long-range precision fires requirements.
According to Hanwha, the K9MH is compatible with the U.S. Army’s existing range of munitions. More than 2,500 K9 howitzers are currently fielded worldwide.
The company also plans to establish a U.S.-based production and support network for the system. Hanwha Defense USA is setting up an integration and testing facility in Opelika, Alabama, which will initially support the company’s K9 Mobile Howitzer family.
The company has signed a three-year lease for the facility as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the U.S. artillery supply chain and increase domestic production capacity.
Hanwha said it will continue evaluating additional locations and phases as it expands its U.S. artillery manufacturing footprint.