Hanwha Aerospace Delivers 48 K9A1 Self-propelled Howitzers to Polish Armed Forces

Hanwha Aerospace, a leading South Korean defense company, proudly announces the successful delivery of 48 state-of-the-art K9A1 self-propelled howitzers to the Polish Armed Forces, further strengthening Poland’s defense capabilities. The new artillery systems were unveiled during a grand parade of the Polish Armed Forces on August 15 in Warsaw, showcasing the technological prowess and strategic partnership between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland.Underlining its dedication to bolstering Poland’s national security, Hanwha Aerospace entered into a groundbreaking contract with Poland in August 2022, valued at $2.4 billion, for the supply of 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers. This milestone agreement covers the period from 2022 to 2026 and encompasses not only the delivery of cutting-edge artillery systems but also comprehensive training, logistical support, and a significant quantity of 155mm artillery ammunition.

The collaboration between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland is a testament to the strong foundation of trust and innovation that has been cultivated over the years. The strategic partnership was marked by a historic cooperation agreement signed in December 2014 between Samsung Techwin (now Hanwha Aerospace) and Huta Stalowa Wola, laying the groundwork for the supply of K9 Thunder chassis for the AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer. This pioneering deal, amounting to $310 million, included the transfer of advanced technology and power pack, resulting in the production of 120 chassis. The K9 Thunder chassis served as the backbone of the AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer, reflecting the successful synergy of technical expertise between the two nations. This gesture of cooperation was followed by high-level talks between Polish and South Korean defense officials in May 2022, discussing the potential expansion of the partnership.

In June 2022, a monumental agreement was reached between Poland and Ukraine, leading to the purchase of an additional 54 AHS Krab units along with support vehicles. Valued at a staggering $700 million, this contract represented the largest defense deal ever struck by the Polish defense industry, solidifying Poland’s commitment to regional security. To further solidify this flourishing partnership, the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Hanwha Defense signed a framework agreement in July 2022 for the supply of 672 K9PL self-propelled howitzers. The future expansion of this agreement to include the K10 ARV and K11 FDCV support vehicles is indicative of the growing synergy between the two entities. Hanwha Defense, backed by its technical expertise, is resolute in delivering superior quality and performance within the specified timelines.

The most recent milestone in this remarkable journey was the signing of an executive contract in August 2022, worth $2.4 billion, for the acquisition of 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers. This momentous agreement underscored Hanwha Defense’s commitment to Poland by facilitating the transfer of 48 howitzers from the Republic of Korea Army inventory, with compensation through the delivery of newly produced vehicles by the end of 2023. The K9A1 self-propelled howitzers will be equipped with the Polish C2 network system and the Topaz Automated Fire Control Kit, aligning with Poland’s advanced command infrastructure. In conclusion, Hanwha Aerospace stands unwavering in its dedication to advancing the defense capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. The successful delivery of the first batch of 24 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers is a testament to the synergy of technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment that defines the partnership between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland. As we move forward, Hanwha Aerospace is eager to continue contributing to the safeguarding of Poland’s sovereignty and regional stability.