Technical Capacity and Field Balances

Romania has received the first batch of K9 howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles developed by South Korea-based Hanwha. This delivery is seen as a significant step in the modernization of Romania's artillery units. The K9 Thunder howitzers use 155mm ammunition and have a 52-caliber barrel. They can change position quickly after firing, thus increasing their survivability by avoiding counter-battery fire.

The system can reach a range of approximately 30 kilometers with standard ammunition and over 40 kilometers with advanced ammunition. Thanks to its tracked structure, the K9 has mobility in rough terrain and can reach a speed of 60 km/h. The Ammunition Resupply Vehicle K10 was designed to meet the ammunition needs of the howitzers. The vehicle, which automatically performs ammunition transfer, has an ammunition capacity of up to 12 rounds per minute.

Production and Investment Plans

Initially, 18 K9 howitzers and 12 K10 vehicles will be produced in South Korea. The remaining vehicles are planned to be produced in Romania. The facility to be established in an area of 181,000 square meters in Romania will be Hanwha Aerospace's first factory in Europe. In addition to production in this region, it is also aimed to establish test areas. The company, which will meet 80% of the production work with Romania's local industry, is expected to cooperate with Romanian companies such as Iveco and Pro Optica.

Conclusion and Future Perspective

Romania's strengthening with K9 howitzers is seen as a development that can affect the military balance in the region. The factory to be established by Hanwha Aerospace in Romania will strengthen the company's presence in Europe and contribute to increasing its investments in defense industry production and technology transfer in the region. The company's investment plan of 1.3 billion euros, announced in July, is considered an important step towards defense industry production and technology transfer in Romania.