The US Army has ordered nine K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH) prototypes from Hanwha Defense under its Mobile Tactical Cannon-Wheeled program.
Derived from Hanwha’s tracked K9 Thunder, the wheeled 155mm self-propelled howitzer is designated the XM-1776 Mobile Tactical Cannon. The program aims to deliver more mobile, automated, survivable artillery, initially for Stryker brigades, followed by mobile and infantry brigades.
Hanwha Defense USA’s (HUDSA) Land Systems business Chief Operating Officer Mike Smith reportedly said the army ordered six systems in August and three more in September.
The initial six systems are covered by a $100-million other transaction authority award announced in August, with an option for 12 additional units and a potential total value of $263 million.
Local Production
Most work on the 18 howitzers will take place in South Korea. The US Army had prioritized vendors planning to move supply chains to the US within two years of the initial award. At full-rate production, Hanwha plans to initially manufacture 24 howitzers and 24 resupply vehicles annually, Smith said.
To support its US industrial expansion, Hanwha is establishing an integration and testing facility in Opelika, Alabama, for the XM-1776 and its K9 howitzer family. The company also plans to engage more than 70 existing and prospective US suppliers to localize its supply chain.
“The XM-1776 Mobile Tactical Cannon represents the launch of the US Army’s new long-range precision fires modernization effort and its powerful partnership with HDUSA to produce this system at speed and scale,” Smith said.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Hanwha is committed to delivering industrial strength, mature capability and proven technologies that accelerate US production and expand America’s artillery industrial base.”