South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace announced on 6 November that it had demonstrated its latest weapons systems to a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard (MNG) at a Republic of Korea Army firing range the day before.
According to Hanwha Aerospace, the delegation was led by Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulazia Al Saud, Minister of MNG, and visited South Korea at the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Hanwha Aerospace as part of broader efforts to expand bilateral defence partnership between the two countries.
The company highlighted that it had showcased a wide range of its artillery and combat vehicles during the live-fire exercise, which was observed by the MNG delegation as well as local representatives the Ministry of National Defense, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and Hanwha Aerospace.
The artillery demonstration saw 18 K9A1 155/52mm calibre self-propelled howitzers (SPH) firing more than 90 rounds into a target area. Other demonstrations included the company’s K21 amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle, as well as the K30 Biho tracked and K30W Chunho wheeled self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.
Hanwha Aerospace also noted that it had showcased new systems that were optimised for Saudi Arabia’s requirements, including a 155mm wheeled SPH with an automated unmanned turret, laser-based air defence system, as well as its Tigon wheeled armoured combat vehicle and wheeled short-range air defence system.
“We had a great opportunity to show our advanced defence technologies and products to the MNG delegation,” said Vice President Oh Kyea-hwan, Head of Hanwha Aerospace Middle East & Africa.
“Hanwha is fully committed to providing best-in-class defense solutions in all domains of air, sea and land to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under strong bilateral partnership,” added Oh.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan earlier held a meeting with Prince Abdullah to explore ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic and security affairs.
South Korea has considerable success in Saudi Arabia, having won a contract to supply 10 batteries of the KM-SAM Block II (KM-SAM II) medium-range air defence system worth up to US$3.2 billion in late 2023.
by Jr Ng
