Hanwha to build a plant to produce K9 air defense systems in Romania

15 December, 2024 Production of the K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled gun. Photo: joongang South Korean armored vehicle manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace will set up a plant to produce K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers in Romania.

European Security Defense reported on this. Currently, a branch of the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace Romania operates in Romania. It is searching for partners and preparing for close cooperation with the Romanian defense industry with the production of new self-propelled artillery systems.

In addition, the company said that a plant would be built in Romania to produce this type of self-propelled howitzer for the Romanian army and export customers.

Production of K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery systems. Photo: Hanwha

Besides, the company stated that the construction of the first plant in Romania should be launched in 2025. "The K9 local production facility aims to start construction in the first half of 2025.

It will be the first local production facility in Europe built by Hanwha Aerospace. The facility will be a state-of-the-art one capable of equipment testing, research, training, and MRO [maintenance, repair, and overhaul] in addition to production," Peter J K Bae, head of Hanwha Aerospace Romania, explained. According to Hanwha, this step should demonstrate to Romania the Korean company's position on readiness for closer cooperation, which will benefit both countries.

In addition to signing a contract today to purchase K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, the country is holding a tender for a new main battle tank and a new infantry fighting vehicle.

K9 Thunder self-propelled guns of the Ground Forces of South Korea. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of South Korea

The Korean company also participates in both competitions with proposals in the form of the K2 Black Panther main battle tank and the AS-21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle. According to Hanwha, the AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle can be used to develop a new infantry fighting vehicle model in close cooperation with the Romanian defense industry.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defence plans to place an order to purchase South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks.

According to the South Korean publication MBC News, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence plans to purchase 300 to 500 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks.