Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) announced it will submit its mature and available K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH) in response to the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon Prototype Proposal. Beyond the system’s technical superiority and affordability, Hanwha is offering a comprehensive localization strategy designed to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base, create American jobs, and bring proven advanced manufacturing capabilities to the artillery modernization effort.
Central to Hanwha’s proposal is what the company describes as a “wartime production ethos.” HDUSA positions itself as a partner capable of establishing high-volume industrial capacity, delivering a low-risk, rapidly fieldable 155mm artillery system aligned with the Army’s long-range precision fires objectives.
“Born out of war, Hanwha takes a system-level view of the Long-Range Precision Fires mission,” said Mike Smith, HDUSA COO and President of Land Systems. “A Total Artillery Solution goes well beyond platforms. It’s production, it’s the projectile, the propelling charge, fire control and C2 integration.”
The company’s phased localization plan begins in Alabama, where HDUSA is building its initial U.S. manufacturing and support foundation. Future phases will expand production capacity, supplier engagement, and workforce development to accommodate planned technology insertions such as 58-caliber tube upgrades and autonomous software integration.
“Alabama is the launch point,” said Jason Pak, HDUSA Head of Land Systems – Artillery. “Our U.S. facilities, combined with Hanwha’s global supply chain and production experience in Australia, Poland, Egypt, and Romania, form the basis of a proven model of execution. Localization is a habit, not a one-off endeavor.”
Michael Coulter, HDUSA CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to U.S. industry, stating, “Hanwha is prepared to invest in the U.S. industrial base through a phased-in localization strategy that expands domestic production and support. This is simply part of our model, whether it be shipbuilding, munitions, or combat vehicles.”
The announcement follows HDUSA’s recent $1.3 billion commitment to build a new munitions facility in Arkansas. Company officials say this combination of a mature artillery system and industrial investment offers both near-term relevance and long-term value as the U.S. prioritizes strengthening its defense industrial base. HDUSA expects to share additional details as it builds a U.S.-anchored manufacturing network capable of delivering at speed and scale.
