Hanwha Aerospace to unveil self-propelled howitzer K9A2 in UK

South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Co. announced on Tuesday that it will unveil the latest model of its K9 self-propelled howitzer, the K9A2, at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show in London from Sept. 12 to 15.

Hanwha Aerospace will showcase the K9A2 as part of a self-propelled howitzer package along with the K10 ammunition carrier in a 315-square-meter exhibition hall.

The K9A2 model is capable of rapidly firing more than 9 rounds per minute with fully automated loading of ammunition and charges. It features a composite rubber track instead of the traditional steel track, reducing vibration and noise while enabling stable long-distance travel.

Hanwha Aerospace is presenting the K9A2 as a contender for the UK government's Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program, a £723 million ($905 million) initiative to select the next-generation self-propelled howitzer to replace the UK's mainstay AS90 self-propelled howitzer.

The company has formed "Team Thunder" with local British defense industry companies to pursue a tailored local supply strategy.

In addition to the K9, Hanwha Aerospace will introduce solutions in the land, sea and air domains, including the Redback armored vehicle, Cheongeom air-to-ground guided missile, Chunmoo multiple rocket artillery system and submarine lithium battery systems.

"Based on our proven technology and trust gained in markets like Australia and Poland, we will provide advanced defense solutions to build a long-term trust relationship with the UK, which seeks to expand defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region," a Hanwha Aerospace source said.

Write to Mi-Sun Kang at misunny@hankyung.com