Romania has ordered 54 K9 SPHs (right) and 36 K10 artillery resupply vehicles (left) from Hanwha Aerospace. (Hanwha Aerospace)
On 9 July the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) ordered 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and 36 K10 artillery resupply vehicles from Hanwha Aerospace. The USD1 billion contract includes wheeled and tracked support vehicles and ammunition, the South Korean company said in a press release the next day.
Hanwha plans to deliver the vehicles in stages over the next five years starting in early 2027. Most of the vehicles are to be produced in Romania, with extensive involvement of local suppliers. Peter Bae, vice-president of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, spoke of various localisation programmes, including local defence equipment manufacturing and employment, technology transfer, and the establishment of a centre of excellence for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) at a new greenfield site in Romania. “Romanian industry's inclusion in Hanwha Aerospace's broad global supply chains is one of the potential benefits Romania could take from the collaboration,” he said. ”Through this partnership, alongside with other future projects, Romania would become a hub of Hanwha Aerospace's land business in Europe.”
The company is offering its Redback as Romania's new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), 129 of which have been ordered by Australia for its Land 400 Phase 3 programme. It expects the high level of commonality between the Redback and K9's power train and chassis to increase the efficiency of operation, production, and maintenance of both systems.
Romania is also procuring 54 M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
For more information on Poland's K9 and HIMARS programme, please seeArtillery mania: Poland procures hundreds of new systems .
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