Hanwha Defense K9 Mobile Howitzer Wins U.S. Army Mobile Tactical Cannon Contract

Published Aug 19, 01:12 AM UTC

The U.S. Army has selected Hanwha Defense USA to advance to the next phase of its Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, awarding a firm-fixed-price agreement worth up to $262.9 million for up to 18 wheeled self-propelled howitzer prototypes. Hanwha will supply its K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH), an 8x8 wheeled 155mm system derived from the tracked K9 design, to replace the Army's towed M777 howitzers. The K9MH offers a maximum range of over 37 miles (60 km), rapid emplacement/displacement under 30 seconds, and carries 40 rounds onboard. The contract includes six initial prototypes with an option for 12 more, to be tested over four years. Hanwha plans to establish U.S. manufacturing in Opelika, Alabama, leveraging its global supply chain. Other competitors included American Rheinmetall, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Elbit Systems.