Hanwha Aerospace said on September 2 that Brent G. Ingraham, the U.S. Army’s top acquisition official, visited the company’s Changwon facilities in South Korea to review its production capabilities for artillery systems and other major defense platforms.
Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, visited Hanwha Aerospace’s Changwon Plants 2 and 3 on August 26. He oversees more than 550 U.S. Army acquisition programs representing a portfolio of approximately $170 billion.
The visit came shortly after Hanwha Defense USA secured a prototype contract related to the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, providing a timely opportunity for the two sides to discuss potential cooperation in support of U.S. Army modernization.
U.S. delegation examines K9 production system
During the visit, Ingraham and the U.S. delegation toured the production line for Hanwha’s wheeled K9 self-propelled howitzer and examined automated manufacturing processes, including robotic welding systems designed to support high-volume production and consistent quality control.
The delegation also observed mobility demonstrations involving wheeled and tracked K9 platforms.
Beyond the K9, Hanwha presented a broader portfolio of defense systems produced at its Changwon facilities, including the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, M-SAM and L-SAM air defense systems, the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS).
According to Hanwha Aerospace, the delegation showed particular interest in the level of automation across the production lines as well as the company’s manufacturing capacity and quality management systems.
MTC program opens another avenue for U.S. cooperation
The timing of the visit is significant as Hanwha seeks to expand its presence in the U.S. defense market.
Hanwha Defense USA recently signed a prototype supply contract for the U.S. Army’s MTC program, which is evaluating next-generation mobile artillery capabilities. The Changwon visit gave U.S. officials an opportunity to examine firsthand the manufacturing infrastructure behind Hanwha’s artillery platforms.
The two sides also exchanged views on ways to deepen defense industrial cooperation between South Korea and the United States and support the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities.
Hanwha has been expanding its international defense business on the back of the K9 platform and other systems, while strengthening local production and industrial partnerships in overseas markets.
Hanwha looks to strengthen U.S. defense industrial ties
Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, said defense industrial cooperation is becoming an increasingly important pillar of the Korea-U.S. alliance.
“For more than 70 years, the Korea-U.S. alliance has served as a cornerstone of peace and security, and defense cooperation is becoming an important pillar supporting that alliance,” Coulter said.
“Hanwha will contribute to strengthening the alliance’s deterrence and the U.S. defense industrial base through its proven manufacturing capabilities and global production experience.”
The visit underscores Hanwha Aerospace’s efforts to position its large-scale manufacturing capabilities and experience in artillery production as strategic assets as the United States seeks to modernize its forces and strengthen defense production capacity.
