Hanwha Defense USA Secures Research Agreement with DEVCOM-AC on K9 Family of Self-Propelled Howitzers

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 18, 2025 – This week, Hanwha Defense USA secured a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC) to integrate the U.S. government-designed 58-caliber cannon into Hanwha’s K9 family of vehicles from its Long-Range Precision Fires portfolio. This announcement comes as Hanwha Defense USA works toward supplying the K9 to the U.S. Department of War.

"This collaboration with the U.S. Army is a reflection of the versatility of the K9 turret—the centerpiece of Hanwha's family of Long-Range Precision Fires platforms," said Hanwha Defense USA COO Mike Smith.  "The K9 closes capability gaps in volume and rate of fire, range, and rapid resupply, which translates into increased lethality and enhanced survivability of the American warfighter on the battlefield."  

"The K9 is in service in nearly every potential theater of battle," said Hanwha Defense USA CEO Michael Coulter.  "Of the five NATO nations that share a land border with Russia, four rely upon the K9 for Long-Range Precision Fires capability. This broadly dispersed base provides a global sustainment network that is unmatched. Wherever the U.S. Army goes, in all likelihood the K9 is already there."

Hanwha’s K9 family of Long-Range Precision Fires platforms meets the size, weight, and power requirements for current production configurations and provides the growth margin to accommodate the 58-caliber cannon and other future technology insertion needs. Six NATO members have acquired the K9 for their respective militaries.

About Hanwha Defense USA
A subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Defense USA delivers proven platforms with a demonstrated process maturity successfully projected across numerous markets and supply chains across the globe, with a track record of developing local workforces required to produce and sustain across product life cycles to meet the needs of warfighters and industrial base partners. HDUSA continues to expand its U.S. footprint through organic growth, strategic industrial partnerships, and selective business acquisition. For more information on Hanwha Defense USA, please visit www.hanwhadefenseusa.com.

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