Hanwha Aerospace today announced it had shipped a fresh batch of four K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers and eight K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles to Norway, a key commitment to supporting the Norwegian defense capability.
The shipment is part of a 2022 contract to supply more K9 VIDAR (Versatile Indirect Artillery) and K10 systems following the successful implementation of the first contract for 24 K9s and six K10s signed in 2017.
The artillery systems are expected to arrive in Norway in about two months for delivery to the Norwegian Armed Forces after undergoing inspections.
“This shipment of K9 and K10 systems is a key milestone for strengthening cooperation between Hanwha and Norway, as we’re fully committed to producing and delivering the products meeting the Norwegian requirements on time,” said Kim Dong-hyun, head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace. He added, “Hanwha will devote its efforts to complete this contract and further contribute to enhancing Norway’s defense posture.”
Norway is a key pillar of the K9 User Club, a strategic venue for the countries operating the K9 systems to share their knowledge, experience, and know-how on the operation, maintenance, and training of the K9 system.
Since 2001, the K9 has been ordered by nine countries – Turkey, India, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Egypt, and Romania – with about 1,800 K9 vehicles being in service around the globe.
The 155mm/52-caliber K9 Thunder is the world’s most proven tracked self-propelled system that can deliver consistent, accurate, rapid effects at above 40km range with high rates and volumes of fire. The 47-ton K9 is optimized for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ capability to fire multiple rounds and immediately move to a different location in order to avoid counter-fire.
The K10 is the world’s first automatic ammunition resupply vehicle based on the chassis of the K9 howitzer, sharing most of the components and characteristics for logistics support.
The vehicle can support the K9 by carrying and resupplying 104 shells of 155mm artillery ammunition and 504 units of charges under contested conditions. The fully automated ammunition resupply system ensures efficiency in logistics support and tactical movements in any severe battlefield condition.
New CEO For Hanwha
Hanwha Aerospace has appointed Michael Coulter as Global Defense CEO to manage the company’s business initiatives in the global defense market.
In this newly created position, Coulter will be responsible for overseeing the global defense businesses of Hanwha Aerospace and its subsidiaries such as Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Systems.
His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its international presence and consolidating its defense sector leadership. With Coulter’s appointment, Hanwha aims to strengthen its strategic position by delivering integrated land, sea, and air solutions in key global markets, particularly the United States, as part of its vision to become a world-class defense company.
Coulter brings an exceptional and distinguished background to this role, with his extensive experience in both government and defense sectors. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development for Leonardo DRS and President of Leonardo DRS International, where he led the company’s growth and transformation from a primarily U.S. business to a global player in the aerospace and defense industry.
“I’m honored to be asked to join one of the most respected companies in the world. While serving in the industry, I’ve been impressed by Hanwha’s continued growth as a leader in aerospace & defense and the commitment to deliver for its customers,” said Coulter, Global Defense CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “As a combat veteran with a career devoted to security cooperation of allies and partners, I am committed to the mission of this great company to provide global security, industrial capacity, and solutions for the brave men and women who protect our freedoms.”
His distinguished career spans multiple critical roles in national security and defense. Prior to his corporate position, Coulter served in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Defense, including roles as Assistant Secretary of Defense (Acting), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Principal Deputy for Strategic Plans and Policy on the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also served at the U.S. Department of State as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs and Coordinator for Coalition Operations, as well as National Security Advisor in the U.S. Senate.
A U.S. Navy reserve officer with command and combat experience across multiple regions, including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Coulter has deep operational and strategic expertise. Coulter holds master’s degrees in business (MBA) from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and National Security and Strategic Studies (MA) from the U.S. Naval War College.
Via Hanwha Press Release
