Multiple Industrial Agreements Scheduled for Signature at Show

Hanwha Defense will show its advanced artillery at DSEI 2021 in London next week, focusing on the latest variant of the 155mm/52 cal. THUNDER self-propelled howitzer – the K9A2 – which it plans to offer for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme. Also on display will be the REDBACK IFV and the Multi-Purpose UGV (M-UGV).

With almost 1,700 K9 variants in service in seven nations (Estonia, Finland, India, Norway, Poland and Turkey, as well as South Korea), negotiations are in progress for its possible adoption in Australia. The K9A2 variant, on offer to Britain, will feature enhanced lethality, protection and mobility, as well as a fully automated ammunition loading system, enabling a rate of fire increase to nine rpm. It will also be fitted with mine protection kits and composite rubber tracks.

“The United Kingdom is the first international market to which the newest variant of the K9 SPH is being offered, and we hope the UK defence industry will serve as a supply chain bases for the global K9 family of vehicles,” said Sun Wi, Director of MFP Program, Hanwha Defense.

In a step towards building a robust industrial partnership in the UK, Hanwha Defense is scheduled to sign formal agreements with multiple local defence partners during DSEI 2021.

The appearance of the M-UGV in London marks the first European showing of the platform. Developed in 2019, the 4×4 1.5t electric vehicle achieves a top speed of 30km/h on paved surfaces and can be remotely or autonomously operated in a variety of missions, including surveillance, logistics transport, evacuation of casualties, and combat engagement. Featuring a Korean RCWS, the vehicle can automatically lock on targets, using acoustic sensors. A newer, 6×6 variant, dubbed the Intelligence UGV (I-UGV) is set to be unveiled later this year. Boasting a 500kg payload and a 100km radius of action, the I-UGV is set to be trialled by the South Korean Army in coming months.

“Joining DSEI 2021 is a great opportunity to showcase Hanwha Defense’s sophisticated defence solutions and evolving technologies to the world,” commented Son Jae-il, CEO and President. “With a remarkable success in the European market for the past years, in particular, we are fully committed to offering innovative and trusted defence solutions to customers in this region.”