Hanwha Defense USA has confirmed the K9 mobile howitzer as its proposed testbed system for the US Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program.
MTC aims to field more than 400 modern wheeled artillery systems, replacing the M777 155mm towed howitzer commissioned in the early 2000s.
Selected weapons will be integrated into brigade combat teams, including lighter and mobile infantry units.
Hanwha said its MTC submission leverages the K9’s proven operability, combining munitions, propelling charges, fire control, and command-and-control systems.
More than 2,000 of the South Korean-origin artillery systems are currently deployed worldwide.
“Born out of war, Hanwha takes a system-level view of the long-range precision fires mission,” said Mike Smith, president and COO of land systems at Hanwha Defense USA. “A total artillery solution goes well beyond platforms.”
“The Army is taking a similar system-of-systems approach to artillery modernization — innovating at the round, committing to a proven platform with ample margin for planned tech insertion, and employing a new robust resupply capability,” he added.
Localized Sourcing
Hanwha will pair the platform with a phased strategy aimed at building domestic manufacturing capacity and supporting wartime-scale output.
Works to support its pitch will center in Alabama, where the firm is establishing its initial assembly and support base, expanding supplier networks, and developing its workforce.
“Alabama is the launch point,” said Jason Pak, land artillery systems head at Hanwha Defense USA.
“Our US 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.”
The announcement follows Hanwha’s $1.3 billion commitment to open a munitions facility in Arkansas, part of its broader effort to expand its US manufacturing footprint.
