- Hanwha Aerospace became the first South Korean defense firm to own its own K9A1 howitzer for R&D and marketing use.
- The move follows a July 2025 legal amendment allowing domestic companies to hold defense equipment with government approval.
Hanwha Aerospace has become the first South Korean defense company to officially own its own weapons systems, following a landmark change in national arms export regulations.
According to a statement from the company, Hanwha held a rollout ceremony for a K9A1 self-propelled howitzer at its Changwon Plant 3 facility on December 2, intended for research, development, and marketing use.
“This equipment will be exhibited for the first time at the defense exhibition in Saudi Arabia next year,” Hanwha said.
Previously, South Korean defense manufacturers relied on borrowing equipment from the military to participate in exhibitions or perform research and testing. However, a July 2025 amendment to the Defense Business Act, proposed by National Assembly member Yoo Yong-won, now permits companies to produce, modify, and possess defense materiel for export and R&D purposes, with approval from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
Hanwha confirmed it now holds proprietary K9A1 platforms, along with the K9A2 howitzer currently undergoing full turret automation development, and the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle. These assets are now owned by the company for non-operational uses such as demonstrations and overseas bidding campaigns.
In a press release, Hanwha stated, “We were able to significantly reduce costs and delays thanks to the revised legislation.” The company noted that borrowing a system from the military could cost up to 100 million KRW (approximately $76,000) annually and required two to three months for government approval.
“Now we can conduct performance tests and development work more swiftly to increase our global competitiveness. The military also benefits by avoiding equipment shortages caused by previous lending arrangements,” Hanwha said.
The Redback IFV, recently tested at Hanwha’s Changwon Plant 2 in November, will join the K9A1 in promotional campaigns. Both vehicles are part of Hanwha’s broader export strategy to penetrate markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
The company added, “With the support of the National Assembly and government, we are not only accelerating product innovation but also gaining momentum in opening new overseas markets.”
Hanwha’s move reflects a broader shift in South Korea’s defense industry, which has ramped up arms exports in recent years. The ability to maintain its own demonstrator fleet could further improve Hanwha’s international standing, especially as global demand grows for proven artillery and IFV platforms.