.png)
HDUSA Press Release
• Marking the next chapter of Hanwha’s global evolution, Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense (HGD), has been appointed as new President and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA).
• In his new role, Coulter will spearhead Hanwha’s business initiatives across the U.S. shipbuilding and defense sectors, underscoring the company’s intent to deepen its long-term presence and partnerships.
• Hanwha is fully committed to aligning its shipbuilding and defense initiatives with U.S. industrial priorities, reinforcing its role as a trusted and reliable partner.
NOVEMBER 3, 2025 – Hanwha has appointed Michael Coulter as new President and CEO of HDUSA, underscoring the company’s strategic commitment to expanding its presence in the U.S. market.
Coulter previously served as President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Global Defense (HGD), where he led global business initiatives. Under his leadership, Hanwha crafted a new global strategy focused on building sovereign capabilities and strengthening international partnerships, while expanding its regional presence by appointing new leaders in Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. He also spearheaded the establishment of HGD, which oversees Hanwha’s global defense and shipbuilding initiatives spanning Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean.
In his new role as President and CEO of HDUSA, Coulter will focus on strengthening Hanwha’s U.S. partnerships and driving growth in this critical market, spanning both the shipbuilding and defense sectors. Remaining a board member of Hanwha Aerospace, he will continue to support the company’s global strategy and collaborate with Korean and international leadership to advance Hanwha’s transformation into a leading multi-domestic aerospace and defense enterprise.
Mike Smith, who has served as President and CEO of HDUSA, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President, Land Systems. In this capacity, Smith will ensure continuity and leverage his proven record in driving operational excellence, expanding into adjacent markets, and improving overall business performance.
These appointments come as Hanwha seeks to play a greater role in the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, while also supporting the growth of the U.S. defense industrial base as a trusted partner.
Coulter has more than 30 years of experience in national security and defense, including senior leadership roles in the aerospace industry following leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the U.S. Senate. He is also a U.S. Navy Reserve officer with command and combat experience in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
About Hanwha Aerospace
Hanwha Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced defense, aerospace, and industrial solutions with a global footprint across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Its portfolio covers land, sea, air, and space domains, including artillery systems, armored vehicles, precision-guided munitions, aircraft engines, satellites, and space launch technologies. As a core affiliate of Hanwha Group, Hanwha Aerospace is dedicated to strengthening global partnerships through localization, co-production, and technology transfer.
For more information, please visit https://www.hanwhaaerospace.com
About Hanwha Defense USA
Founded in 2017, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) is the U.S. defense subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s leading aerospace and defense company. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., HDUSA is dedicated to delivering advanced defense and shipbuilding solutions tailored to the needs of the U.S. armed forces and industry partners. Through partnerships with American companies, investments in local capabilities, and alignment with U.S. strategic priorities, HDUSA is committed to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base and supporting the modernization of allied forces.
For more information, please visit https://hanwhadefenseusa.com/