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Hanwha Aerospace has announced the signing of an additional executive contract with the Polish Armaments Agency worth 3.45 trillion Korean won (US$2.6 billion) to support the delivery of K9 self-propelled howitzers, supporting equipment and technology transfer.
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The signing of this contract marks the second executive contract between the two bodies, following the framework contract and first executive contract, both signed in 2022.
As part of the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will supply Poland with 152 K9 self-propelled howitzers and an integrated logistics support (ILS) package for maintenance. Additionally, the contract also covers the supply of 155mm howitzer self-propelled ammunition packages.
The technology transfer will also enable the streamlining of local production of maintenance parts for weapon systems, as well as technical support to maintain, renovate, and modernise the Polish defence industry.
A Hanwha spokesperson welcomed the contract signing, saying, “Hanwha Aerospace takes pride in our ongoing commitment to delivering deterrence solutions to key regions with urgent demand. We are dedicated to working with our Polish partners to ensure effective and cost-saving solutions to strengthen their defense capabilities.”
The company is committed to integrating advanced defence technologies into the fabric of the Polish defence landscape. Hanwha aims to fortify a partnership that not only meets Poland’s immediate defence needs, but also fosters long-term resilience and innovation in the country’s defence sector.
The collaboration aims to significantly contribute to the growth and modernisation of Poland’s defence industry, while also fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Hanwha Aerospace and its Polish partners.
Poland’s fleet of K9 self-propelled howitzers will be similar to Australia’s own planned fleet of AS-9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers.
Initially announced under the previous government in 2019, Australia will acquire a fleet of 30 Hanwha-designed, Australian-built AS-9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and 15 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles as part of LAND 8116 Phase 1 worth between AU$900 million and AU$1.3 billion.
Several Australia-based companies have been tasked with supporting Hanwha’s project, including Kongsberg Defence Australia, ElmTek, Penske Australia, HIFraser, CBG Systems, TAE Aerospace, Bisalloy Steels, Thales Australia, Sigma Bravo (a KBR company), and Elphinstone.
The Hanwha AS9 Huntsman is a bespoke design developed specifically for Australia, based on the K9 howitzer – in-service with multiple nations around the world including NATO nations – and will be built with a 52-caliber 155mm gun system.
