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Hanwha Defense strengthens European business with enhanced PGZ cooperation


K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer. (JR Wu)

Hanwha Defense of South Korea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polish state-funded defense group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) to further strengthen industrial relations, Hanwha announced on September 7.

The MoU, centered on the supply of Hanwha Defence’s K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH), was initially proposed through a framework contract signed by the governments of South Korea and Poland in late July and outlines the production, service, life cycle of the K9 SPH. cost and future development.

Hanwha Defense subsequently won a contract from the Polish government on August 26 to supply “hundreds” of K9 SPHs between 2022 and 2026.

The company added that the MoU also focuses on promoting joint R&D, manufacturing, overhaul and modernization of solutions related to projects in Poland, South Korea and other third parties, noting that the scope of cooperation also includes localizing the K9 to the K9PL (Poland) standard and working on The next generation field artillery system.

Other potential areas of cooperation include infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and multiple rocket launch systems (MLRS), if selected by the Polish Armed Forces.

Poland will be a hub for Hanwha’s global expansion, especially in Europe. To this end, we are committed to building full partnership and trust with the Polish government,” said Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense.

AMR earlier reported that Hanwha Defense will deliver the first 48 K9 SPHs between 2022 and 2023, with the custom K9PL variant set to enter production in South Korea first in 2024, before shifting production to Poland from 2026. Poland will also receive K10 armored supply vehicles and K11 command vehicles from Hanwha Defense.

The K9PL will be derived from the latest K9A2 SPH developed by Hanwha Defense, featuring an auto-reloading system that increases its rate of fire to 9-10 rounds per minute, compared to the baseline K9A1’s 6-8 rounds per minute. The crew has also been reduced from five to three.

The first 48 K9A1s built in South Korea will also be upgraded to the K9PL standard, and both will be equipped with Polish communications systems and WB Group’s Topaz integrated battle management system.

by Jr Ng





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