Hanwha Defense USA has identified the K9 self-propelled howitzer as its candidate platform for the US Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program. The MTC initiative seeks to replace the legacy M777 155mm towed howitzer—introduced in the early 2000s—with more than 400 modern wheeled artillery systems. These new platforms are intended for integration into brigade combat teams, including highly mobile and light infantry formations.
Hanwha stated that its proposal builds on the K9’s established operational track record, incorporating a fully integrated solution that combines munitions, propellant systems, fire control, and command-and-control capabilities. The K9 platform has already been fielded extensively, with over 2,000 units in service globally.
To support the program, Hanwha plans to implement a phased localization strategy focused on developing US-based manufacturing capacity and ensuring scalability for high-demand scenarios. Key efforts will be centered in Alabama, where the company is setting up an assembly and support facility, expanding its supplier base, and investing in workforce development. This move follows Hanwha’s $1.3 billion investment in a new munitions production facility in Arkansas, reinforcing its broader push to strengthen its industrial presence in the United States.
