The K9 wheeled self-propelled howitzer undergoes test firing at a testing facility of the Agency for Defense Development. (Hanwha Defense USA)

By Hong Angie

The domestically developed K9 self-propelled howitzer will soon enter the U.S., the world's largest defense market.

The U.S. Army on Aug. 18 announced that Hanwha Defense USA, the Virginia-based subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, signed a contract to develop a prototype for the new Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC).

The MTC is a key project in the modernization of the U.S. Army's long-range firepower. The company won the bid after an intense competition with leading global defense contractors like Bae Systems of the U.K., Rheinmetall of Germany, and KNDS of France and Germany.

Under the contract, Hanwha will first deliver six prototypes to the U.S. Army over the next four years, supplying up to 18 systems with an option for another 12. The deal is initially valued at USD 100.3 million, with the option to raise the amount to USD 262.9 million (KRW 370 billion).

Hanwha's ability to form its own supply chain in the U.S. -- including a howitzer plant under construction in Alabama and a proposed ammunition factory in Arkansas -- was considered a decisive factor in the winning bid.

The U.S. Army plans to gradually replace its M777 towed howitzers after the MTC program is approved. This prototype is thus expected to pave the way for large-scale contracts and operational deployment.

shong9412@korea.kr