Washington: The U.S. unit of South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace Co. has won a contract to deliver K9 self-propelled howitzer prototypes for the U.S. Army's artillery modernization program, the U.S. Army said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hanwha Defense USA was selected to provide prototypes based on the wheeled variant of the best-selling K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery for the Army's Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program. This initiative aims to develop a highly mobile 155 mm artillery system intended to replace the Army's aging M777 towed howitzers.

The agreement outlines the accelerated delivery of six prototype MTC systems, with an option for an additional twelve. Soldiers will use these platforms in a series of operational experiments to assess their performance, reliability, and supportability in realistic combat conditions, the Army noted in a statement.

The deal could be valued at up to US$262.9 million. Hanwha Defense USA is considering the production of the K9 prototypes at an integration and test facility in Opelika, Alabama, to localize production within the United States, as suggested by industry insiders.

This contract represents another step in Hanwha's efforts to expand the global footprint of the K9, which is already in service or under contract in several countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Romania, Norway, and Finland.