South Korea defence prime Hanwha Aerospace announced on 10 July that it has signed a contract with the Romanian Ministry of National Defence to supply of 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and 36 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles (ARVs) along with ammunition and associated equipment.
The company noted that the contract, which was signed the day before, is worth approximately US$1 billion. Romania has become the 10th customer country as well as the 6th NATO member country – after Estonia, Finland, Norway, Poland, and Türkiye – to acquire the K9 SPH. It added that Romania will be the third international user of the K10 ARV.
“This is a remarkable deal that can further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries,” said Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace.
“This contract involves not only artillery vehicles but also supporting vehicles and ammunition, representing Hanwha Aerospace’s capability to provide a total package of advanced defence solutions based on its high-level of technological expertise and world-leading production capacity,” he explained.
According to Hanwha Aerospace, delivery of the vehicles will commence from early 2027 through 2032 with vehicle manufacture largely occurring in Romania with support from local suppliers.
“Romanian industry’s inclusion in Hanwha Aerospace’s broad global supply chains is one of the potential benefits Romania could take from the collaboration,” said Peter Bae, Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe. “Through this partnership alongside with other future projects, Romania would become a hub of Hanwha Aerospace’s land business in Europe.”
The proposed deal was earlier revealed during a bilateral meeting between Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar and his South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik on 19 June, when Tilvar made known Bucharest’s intent to acquire the artillery system. The ministers also called for close cooperation with the international community to address the growing threat from Russia and North Korea.
by Jr Ng
