Hanwha Defense wins up to $262.9M US Army deal for K9 wheeled howitzer prototypes under MTC program

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 155mm K9 Mobile Howitzer prototypes. The K9MH, developed from Hanwha's tracked K9 design, offers a 52-caliber barrel with a maximum range of over 37 miles, significantly outperforming the current M777's 20-mile range. The wheeled self-propelled howitzer can emplace and displace in under 30 seconds, enabling shoot-and-scoot tactics, and carries 40 rounds onboard. The Army will conduct rapid prototyping, testing, and soldier experimentation over four years, with potential localization of manufacturing in Opelika, Alabama. This selection does not guarantee full fielding but represents a critical step in the Army's long-range fires modernization.