MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Hanwha Defense USA has won a contract to deliver six prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers to the U.S. Army’s new Mobile Tactical Cannon program. This is the company’s first major contract with the Army and the artillery systems will be prepared for delivery in Opelika.
The agreement provides for the accelerated delivery of the six prototypes, with an option for an additional 12.
Hanwha Defense USA will provide rapidly fieldable 155mm Howitzers that support the U.S. Army’s modernization and long-range precision fires objectives, the company said on Tuesday.
The company announced in April that a site in Opelika will serve as its U.S. integration and test facility for its family of howitzers. The three-year lease is part of HDUSA’s strategic commitment to invest more than $2 million in the U.S. artillery system supply chain, enhance America’s combat vehicle industrial base and serve as a long-term artillery modernization partner to the U.S. Army. The Opelika site will create about 40 jobs.
With more than 2,500 K9 Howitzers already fielded globally, Hanwha leadership says it is uniquely positioned to partner with the U.S. military to establish high-volume industrial capacity.
“We’re honored that the U.S. Army has selected Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer to fulfill its Mobile Tactical Cannon requirement. The K9MH is the total artillery solution and will be the centerpiece of Army Fires’ transformation into a more modern, more lethal force,” said Mike Smith, Hanwha Defense USA COO and President of Land Systems. “The U.S. Army’s selection is a testament to our track record of delivering devastating capability at speed, at scale, on cost and on shore. As the wheeled variant of the K9, the K9MH provides an expansion path towards a tracked capability with designed-in margin for the future fight. And with such a capability, that fight will not be a fair one.”
Compatible with the Army’s full suite of munitions, the K9MH’s selection means the U.S. has now joined nearly a dozen allies who share a global industrial network and supply chain.
Hanwha Defense USA is a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace.
“We are proud that these prototype systems will be assembled in Opelika, creating good jobs and strengthening Alabama’s role in supporting America’s national security,” Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair said. “Hanwha has already demonstrated its confidence in Alabama, and this contract is another important step in building a long-term partnership that will bring additional investment, innovation and opportunity to our state.”
Hanwha Defense USA will continue to evaluate future phases and locations as it expands its U.S. artillery systems footprint and production capacity. As the U.S. places more focus on strengthening its defense industrial base, HDUSA officials said the company’s combination of mature capability and industrial commitment offers both near-term relevance and long-term value.
“This is another strong example of Alabama’s ability to support the growth of advanced defense manufacturing,” said Veronica Crock, a Commerce senior project manager. “Hanwha Defense USA’s decision to assemble these prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers in Opelika demonstrates the company’s confidence in Alabama’s workforce, manufacturing capabilities and broader defense ecosystem.”
Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith said the city is proud to support HDUSA as it begins its Phase I operations and establishes this important integration and testing capability.
“This project represents more than an economic development opportunity — it allows Opelika to contribute to a critical national defense mission by helping provide the Department of War and the U.S. Army with an advanced, rapidly fieldable system that will strengthen readiness and give our warfighters a decisive tactical advantage,” Smith said.
Separately, HDUSA last week made a preliminary, non-binding offer to acquire Austal USA’s shipbuilding operations in Mobile.
“Any deal will be contingent on due diligence that permits a thorough evaluation of Austal USA’s operations and financials, including newly disclosed information,” Hanwha Defense USA Spokesman James Hewitt said. “Hanwha has made it a priority to significantly contribute to revitalizing American shipbuilding and is exploring a range of options to expand our footprint in the United States.”
