Hanwha’s defense affiliates are unveiling next-generation defense solutionstailored to the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities — including a new wheeled self-propelled howitzerand the localization of the 155 mm modular charges — at the AUSA 2025 exhibition in Washington, D.C.,from October 13-15.
Hanwha highlights the future development roadmap of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer,unveiling the K9A2 auto-loading wheeled howitzer concept model tailored for U.S. Armyrequirements. Hanwha pursues the localization of the 155 mm Modular Charge System (MCS) tostrengthen U.S. ammunition supply and production capacity Images: Hanwha Aerospace
Team Hanwha _ Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) _ are joiningthe annual show hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army. The show is expected to attract around44,000 visitors from 92 countries and serves as the premier venue for global defense companies toshowcase land-based military innovations (MSPO 2025: Hanwha Aerospace Showcases New Howitzers).
At this year’s exhibition, Hanwha Aerospace is displaying a full-scale K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzer,presenting the future roadmap of the K9 artillery system, which has been ordered by more than 10countries worldwide. In particular, the company will unveil for the first time a wheeled K9A2 concept,tailored to meet the U.S. Army’s long-range and high-mobility artillery requirements (Hanwha will develop a K9 howitzer on a wheeled chassis).
The K9A2 features an automated ammunition handling and loading system that increases its rate of firefrom six to over nine rounds per minute. As the U.S. Army seeks next-generation artillery systems withenhanced range, precision, mobility, and sustained fire capability, Hanwha Aerospace is proposing the8×8 wheeled K9A2, integrating the K9A2’s advanced auto-loading turret onto a wheeled platform todeliver greater flexibility and mobility on future battlefields.
Maro Kim, Head of Strategy at Hanwha Defense USA, said:
The K9 howitzer is already operated by more than 10 nations and stands as the world’s most proventracked artillery system. By mounting the K9A2’s automated turret on an 8×8 wheeled platform, we canmeet the U.S. Army’s requirements for long-range precision firepower, rapid deployment, and sustainedresupply operations.
Hanwha Aerospace is also focusing on plans to localize production of the 155 mm Modular ChargeSystem (MCS) in the United States. Manufactured in a world-class smart factory environment, the MCSensures high consistency, precision, and safety through automated production processes. The systemoffers excellent compatibility with NATO-standard 155 mm artillery and provides precise control ofchamber pressure and range, ensuring superior performance and reliability.
Following the war in Ukraine, the global shortage of 155 mm artillery ammunition has become a pressingissue. Hanwha aims to strengthen the supply chain resilience of the U.S. Army and its allies byestablishing local MCS production capacity and industrial partnerships in the United States.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Systems is exhibiting its short-range AESA radar and multi-layered CounterUnmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) defense solution, offering integrated electronic systems optimizedfor homeland security missions in the U.S.
The short-range AESA radar is designed to detect and track low-altitude aerial threats, serving as a keysensor to maximize the operational performance of Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems. It canalso be mounted on various platforms, including wheeled armored vehicles, ground surveillancesystems, and small naval vessels.
The multi-layered C-UAS system is designed to counter the growing threat of drones and unmannedaerial vehicles on modern battlefields. By integrating detection, identification, and neutralizationcapabilities, it provides a comprehensive defense architecture for protecting critical infrastructure —including potential applications in U.S. border surveillance and facility protection.
Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, said:
Through AUSA 2025, Hanwha aims to reinforce its position as a global defense company by showcasingan integrated suite of next-generation solutions across artillery, munitions, and defense electronics.We will continue to expand customer-tailored solutions and global partnerships to meet themodernization needs of the U.S. Army and strengthen the defense capabilities of allied nations.
Press release