South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace has signed an agreement with the Spanish defense firm Indra Sistemas for the supply of K9 self-propelled howitzers.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing foreign media, that Hanwha Aerospace disclosed the contract in a regulatory filing. While the company confirmed the partnership, specific details regarding the total value of the contract and the delivery schedule were not disclosed in the initial report.
According to available information, the initial payment for the contract will account for 20 percent of the total amount, with an additional 5 percent payment expected to be transferred to Hanwha Aerospace by the end of the year.
This agreement with Spain marks a significant milestone for Hanwha Aerospace, representing its first contract in Western Europe. With this deal, the number of countries importing K9 self-propelled artillery systems will reach 11. The K9 system is currently in service or on order in Australia, India, Egypt, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Romania, Turkey, Finland, and Estonia.
The K9 Thunder is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer developed by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development and Samsung Techwin (now Hanwha Aerospace). Known for its high mobility and rapid firing capabilities, the K9 has become one of the most widely exported artillery systems globally. In 2023, Hanwha Aerospace also secured a major contract to supply K9 units to the Romanian Armed Forces, a deal valued at approximately $940 million, further cementing the system's position as a preferred choice for NATO and partner nations seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities.
