"K9 Introduction in 10 Countries"… Hanwha Aero Signs 1.4 Trillion KRW Contract with Romania

Bilateral Governments Support Exports as Strategic Partners
Challenging Infantry Fighting Vehicle Project with Redback Leading the Way

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract to supply 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers and other equipment to Romania. The K9 has solidified its position as a bestseller self-propelled howitzer used by 10 countries worldwide, including the South Korean military.

Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 10th that on the 9th (local time), it signed a contract with the Romanian Ministry of National Defense in Bucharest worth 1.3828 trillion KRW to supply self-propelled howitzers and other equipment. A total of 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles will be delivered sequentially starting from 2027.

Hanwha Aerospace K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (right) and K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (Provided by Hanwha Aerospace)

Hanwha Aerospace won this project by outperforming NATO competitors such as Germany's PzH2000 and T?rkiye's Firtina self-propelled howitzers. After four months of competition, it was selected as the preferred bidder earlier this year and proceeded with detailed negotiations with the Romanian government. The final contract was secured by offering a 'self-propelled howitzer package' to Romania, which included not only the K9 and K10 but also wheeled equipment for reconnaissance and meteorological observation, as well as ammunition.

The government also actively supported defense exports by adopting a joint statement to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries' heads of state and holding the first Defense and Military Supply Joint Committee.

With the contract with Romania, the cumulative export value of the K9 (including K10) has surpassed 13 trillion KRW, expanding the number of NATO member countries that have introduced the K9 self-propelled howitzer to six.

Hanwha Aerospace also plans to challenge the Romanian infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) project. In this project, where global defense companies such as those from Germany and the United Kingdom are competing, Hanwha Aerospace plans to lead with the Redback armored vehicle, which endured rigorous testing and was the final choice of the Australian military. Since the Redback armored vehicle applies the same power system as the K9, it is also efficient in terms of maintenance for the Romanian military.

A Hanwha Aerospace official said, "The Republic of Korea's K9 self-propelled howitzer has become a symbol of K-defense guarding various parts of the world," adding, "We will do our best to create another bestseller with the Redback contract."