Washington: South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace Co. announced that its U.S. subsidiary has secured a contract to supply K9 self-propelled howitzer prototypes for the U.S. Army's mobile artillery modernization program.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hanwha Defense USA was chosen to deliver prototypes based on a wheeled variant of the K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery. This initiative is part of the Army's Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, which seeks to develop a highly mobile 155 mm artillery system to replace the aging M777 towed howitzers.

The contract stipulates the delivery of six MTC prototypes, with an option for an additional 12 systems, amounting to a total potential value of up to US$262.9 million, as stated by the U.S. Army. "Soldiers will use these platforms in a series of operational experiments to assess performance, reliability, and supportability in realistic combat conditions," the U.S. Army commented.

Hanwha Aerospace highlighted that this contract signifies the K9 system's debut in the U.S. defense market, the largest in the world. The company pledged to establish a stable production base as part of its localization strategy.

In a bid to localize production in the United States, Hanwha Defense USA leased an idle facility in Opelika, Alabama, earlier in April, according to the company. The arms manufacturer also plans to invest in the U.S. self-propelled howitzer supply chain to enhance its position in the combat vehicle market and solidify its role as a long-term partner in the U.S. Army's modernization efforts.

This contract represents another step in Hanwha's global expansion of the K9 mobile howitzers. The tracked version of the K9 is already operational or under contract in several countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Romania, Norway, and Finland.