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South Korea's K9 howitzers are selling well globally, with Romania purchasing over $900 million worth.

According to an official announcement from Romania, South Korea and Romania have signed an artillery procurement agreement worth $920 million, including 50 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 30 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles.


This transaction marks significant progress in military cooperation between the two countries and highlights South Korea's continuous expansion in the global arms market.

On May 27, 2024, Korean media reported that South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-shik planned to visit Romania and Poland from June 17 to 21 to finalize Hanwha Aerospace's weapons export contract to Romania.


At that time, it was expected that 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles would be exported to Romania, with a total value exceeding $1 billion.

Hanwha Chairman Kim Seung-yeon stated in an interview that if the contract is successfully signed, Hanwha's defense order backlog would reach approximately $22 billion, setting a record for a South Korean defense company.


To enter the Romanian market, Hanwha held an Industrial Day event on May 17, 2024, inviting many Romanian defense industry personnel.


During the event, Hanwha proposed technology transfer, local manufacturing, and joint development strategies targeting the European market, which were well received by the Romanian side.


The Chairman of the Romanian Defense Industry Association, Viorel Manole, also expressed Romania's strong interest in cooperating with Hanwha.

As of early 2024, the production number of K9 self-propelled howitzers had reached approximately 1,700 units, accounting for over 50% of the global market share.


Turkey, Finland, India, Estonia, Norway, Egypt, Poland, and Australia are all users of the K9 or have adopted its technology.


With Romania's order, more NATO countries might purchase the K9 in the future.

The development of the K9 self-propelled howitzer began in 1989 and it officially entered service in 1999.


Compared to the previous generation K55 self-propelled howitzer, the K9 has significant improvements in range, firepower, and mobility.


It can fire various NATO-standard ammunition with ranges from 18 kilometers to 50 kilometers.


The K9 can achieve a rate of fire of three rounds within 15 seconds and maintain a rate of 6-8 rounds per minute, with a top speed of 67 kilometers per hour and a range of about 480 kilometers.


The K10 ammunition resupply vehicle shares the same chassis, powertrain, and suspension as the K9, equipped with an automatic ammunition transfer system capable of transferring up to 12 rounds per minute, carrying up to 104 rounds of 155mm ammunition and 504 charges.


The K10's crew consists of three people, and its armor can withstand attacks from 155mm shell fragments and 14.5mm bullets.


Through this agreement, Hanwha not only solidified its position in the international market but also showcased its strong capabilities in the defense industry.


This cooperation not only helps enhance Romania's defense capabilities but also lays a solid foundation for military cooperation between South Korea and Romania.


In the future, with more NATO countries likely to procure the K9 and K10, their international influence will further expand.


Hanwha's success not only reflects South Korea's technological advantages in high-end weapons manufacturing but also provides strong support for its further expansion in the international market.


The signing of this agreement will undoubtedly bring more opportunities and possibilities for defense cooperation between the two countries.


By introducing the K9 and K10, Romania has not only improved its own military capabilities but also strengthened its defense partnerships in Europe and globally.


Moreover, Hanwha's plans for technology transfer and local manufacturing presented during the Industrial Day event show its commitment to not just selling weapons but also helping Romania establish its own military production capabilities.


This strategy not only promotes long-term cooperation between the two countries but also provides more employment opportunities and technological advancements for Romania.


The technical specifications of the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle are also noteworthy.


The K9 self-propelled howitzer is equipped with an advanced fire control system and an automatic loading system, enabling quick and effective fire support under various combat conditions.


Its high mobility and long range make it a crucial weapon in modern warfare.


The K10 ammunition resupply vehicle ensures the K9's continuous operational capability on the battlefield through its efficient ammunition transfer system.


The combination of these two weapon systems greatly enhances combat efficiency and fire support capability on the battlefield.


The signing of this agreement also marks another successful expansion of Hanwha in the international arms market.


As one of South Korea's largest defense companies, Hanwha has been dedicated to developing and producing advanced military equipment for many years.


Its products are not only widely used in South Korea but also exported to numerous countries worldwide.


The cooperation with Romania will undoubtedly further enhance Hanwha's international reputation and market share.


As a NATO member, Romania has strengthened its defense capabilities in Europe by introducing advanced weapon systems from South Korea.


This not only helps enhance Romania's national security but also provides strong support for NATO's overall defense capabilities.


In the future, with more NATO countries possibly procuring the K9 and K10, military cooperation between South Korea and NATO countries will become closer.


The artillery procurement agreement signed between South Korea and Romania marks significant progress in military cooperation between the two countries.


Through this agreement, Hanwha not only demonstrated its strong technological prowess and market competitiveness but also provided crucial support for Romania's defense modernization.


In the future, as more countries recognize and procure the K9 and K10, Hanwha's position in the international arms market will be further elevated, and military cooperation between the two countries will see more opportunities and developments.

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