South Korean #Hanwha Signs MoU with Romarm for Possible K9 Self-propelled #Howitzer Sale to R#omania

Hanwha Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Romania’s state-run defense company Romarm SA to export its K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) and infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The MOU with Romarm SA concerns the provision and maintenance of the K9 and Redback IFVs, although the size and duration of the preliminary agreement were not disclosed. In a ceremony attended by executives of Hanwha Aerospace and Romarm and government officials, Romania’s Economy Minister Florin Marian Spataru welcomed the MOU, saying that the government will offer its full support to strengthen its footing in the defense industry.

The K9 Thunder is a South Korean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed and developed by the Agency for Defense Development and civil contractors including Dongmyeong Heavy Industries, Kia Heavy Industry, Poongsan Corporation, and Samsung Aerospace Industries for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, and is now manufactured by Hanwha Defense.

Hanwha #Defense, whose defense unit is now merged with Hanwha Aerospace, sold 212 K9 howitzers costing a total of 3.2 trillion won ($2.5 billion) last year. A contract for a second batch of 460 howitzers is being negotiated. The K9 series has had a 52% share of the global self-propelled howitzer market, including wheeled vehicles, since the year 2000.

The main armament is a CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun manufactured by Kia Heavy Industry (now Hyundai WIA),with a maximum firing range of 40 kilometres (25 mi) with K307 rounds. Or 54 kilometres (34 mi) with K315 rounds fired from the upgraded K9A1 variant. The K9 stores 24 rounds in the bustle rack while an additional 24 rounds are located at the rear of the hull. Assisted by a semi-automatic feeding system, fire control system, and the Battalion Tactical Command System (BTCS), the vehicle can burst fire three rounds in 15 seconds, with the ability to land shells in multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) mode.

https://militaryleak.com/2023/02/08/hanwha-signs-mou-with-romarm-for-possible-k9-self-propelled-howitzer-sale-to-romania/