On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, part of the Hanwha Group, announced that it had hosted permanent representatives from 30 NATO member states at the inaugural Hanwha–NATO PermReps Strategic Dialogue, where it presented its vision for next-generation armed forces encompassing unmanned systems, manned-unmanned teaming, and satellite capabilities.
Photos: Hanwha Aerospace
During the visit, the company introduced the delegation to its proven military platforms, including the 155 mm K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer and the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system.
Hanwha Aerospace supplies K9 howitzers to six NATO member states: Poland, Finland, Estonia, Norway, Romania, and Türkiye, with the latter operating the license-built T-155 Fırtına. The system is also currently being offered to Spain, and Hanwha holds the largest share of the global self-propelled howitzer market. The Chunmoo system has also been exported to Poland, where it is known as Homar-K, and more recently orders have been secured from Estonia and Norway, further expanding the company’s strategic cooperation with NATO.
The company also outlined its localization strategy, which it says contributes not only to Europe’s defense capabilities but also to the development of local economies and industrial ecosystems. Hanwha Aerospace has begun construction of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) Europe production facility in Petrești, Romania, and has established a joint venture with Poland’s WB Electronics for the local production of guided missiles for the Homar-K system, thereby deepening its integration with the European defense industrial base.
Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said the visit underscored the strength of the company’s partnership with NATO allies. He added that Hanwha would continue to support Europe’s security through local production, maintenance, and tailored defense solutions, with the goal of becoming NATO’s most trusted partner.
Press release