Hanwha Invests in U.S. Production of K9 Mobile Howitzer

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Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) announced that it is establishing a site in Opelika, Alabama, that will serve as the U.S. integration and test facility for Hanwha’s family of K9 Mobile Howitzers.

HDUSA signed a three-year lease as part of the company’s strategic commitment to invest more than $2 million in the U.S. artillery system supply chain, enhance America’s combat vehicle industrial base, and serve as a long-term artillery modernization partner to the U.S. Army.

This investment demonstrates HDUSA’s commitment to localizing production as part of its submission of Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH) in response to the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP). HDUSA will provide the U.S. Army with a mature, available, low-risk, and rapidly fieldable 155mm artillery system that supports the Army’s modernization and long-range precision fires objectives.

In addition to its technical superiority and unmatched affordability, Hanwha is offering a production and supply chain localization plan that will bring proven advanced manufacturing, demonstrated defense technology, and good jobs to the U.S. Phase 1 includes the creation of approximately 40 jobs in Opelika.

HDUSA will continue to evaluate future phases and locations as we expand our U.S. artillery systems footprint. The company is committed to developing the workforce of the future necessary for long-term sustainment and technology insertion activities.

“Hanwha has selected Opelika, Alabama, to serve as the hub of this first phase of our U.S. artillery systems localization strategy.  We already know this community.  We already know this workforce.  Building here isn’t just a smart business decision — it’s an extension of our existing partnership,” said Hanwha Defense USA COO Mike Smith. “We’re committed to rapid prototyping and production ramp-up through U.S. partnerships as well as creating local production jobs in Alabama, ensuring resilient domestic supply chains, and working with local community and educational institutions, including nearby engineering students.”

“Hanwha is already a familiar and respected name in Alabama, and it is especially exciting when companies again choose us for their new endeavors,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. “As HDUSA and other companies seek to answer the nation’s call for a better-equipped military, Alabama will be a ready partner in their work and success.”

“Hanwha’s decision to establish Opelika’s first national defense initiative here marks a significant milestone for our community,” said Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith. “This project not only strengthens our local economy but also highlights the strategic advantages Opelika offers — from our proximity to Auburn University’s exceptional talent pipeline to our longstanding partnership with Fort Benning. We are proud to support efforts that contribute to our nation’s defense while creating new opportunities for our citizens.”

“This project represents a significant step forward for Opelika as we continue to diversify and strengthen our economy,” said Director John Sweatman, Opelika Economic Development. “Hanwha's investment recognizes the value of our highly skilled workforce, our collaboration with Auburn University, and the success of our citywide Career Skills Program in partnership with Fort Benning. We are excited to support their prototype operations and look forward to the long-term impact this initiative will have on innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in our community.”

At a time when the U.S. is placing renewed focus on strengthening America’s defense industrial base, HDUSA believes this combination of mature capability, domestic production, and industrial commitment offers both near-term relevance and long-term value.