South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to Build Howitzer Production Plant in Romania
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: South Korean arms manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace has announced plans to build a production facility in Dambovita County, Romania, aiming to strengthen industrial consolidation and local manufacturing of K9 and K10 howitzers, local media reported.
Hanwha CEO Michael Coulter revealed that the first phase of the project will involve direct deliveries from South Korea to meet urgent requirements, while the factory is being constructed. Once completed, the facility will focus on the production, maintenance, and repair of K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles.
The factory’s construction is expected to take two years from its commencement, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs. Romanian specialists may receive training either in South Korea or under the guidance of South Korean trainers.
The decision follows a significant $1 billion (916.9 million euro) contract signed last year between Hanwha Aerospace and Romania’s Ministry of Defence, involving the delivery of 54 K9 howitzers and 36 K10 resupply vehicles. The first batch, comprising 18 K9 howitzers and 12 K10 vehicles, will be delivered directly from South Korea.
Hanwha has also established an office in Bucharest and plans to collaborate with local companies, including defence and security solutions provider Pro Optica. In addition to the K9 and K10 systems, Hanwha aims to produce components and offer maintenance services to support NATO and European markets.
In a parallel development, Turkish manufacturer Otokar recently announced plans to set up Otokar Land Systems in Romania after securing a 4.26 billion lei (933.5 million dollar/855.9 million euro) deal with Romtehnica for the delivery of 1,059 Cobra II 4×4 armoured vehicles.
