KDReview

Hanwha Aerospace

012450.KS

한화에어로스페이스

South Korea's largest defense company following its 2025 merger with Hanwha Defense, specializing in self-propelled howitzers, armored vehicles, aircraft engines, and defense electronics. Manufacturer of the globally successful K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, K239 Chunmoo MLRS, and AS21 Redback IFV.

Founded

1977

Headquarters

Changwon, South Korea

Employees

12,000

Revenue

$10.0B

Website

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Products & Systems

8x8 Wheeled 155mm SPH

Artillery

Wheeled 8×8 self-propelled howitzer unveiled by Hanwha Aerospace in March 2026 for NATO export markets. Integrates the same 155 mm 52-caliber gun from the K9 Thunder onto a high-mobility wheeled chassis, offering faster strategic redeployment, lower logistics footprint, and full NATO-standard ammunition interoperability. Features an automated loading system to reduce crew size. Engagement range exceeds 40 km with conventional shells and up to ~70 km with extended-range or rocket-assisted projectiles.

Bigung Loitering Munition

UAV/Drone

Bigung

The Bigung is a loitering munition (kamikaze drone) developed by Hanwha Aerospace. It can be launched from ground vehicles or infantry platforms, loiter over the battlefield to identify targets, and strike with precision. Part of Korea's push into unmanned combat systems.

In service since 2024

K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle

Artillery

K10

Automated ammunition resupply vehicle designed to operate in conjunction with the K9 Thunder. Uses an automated conveyor system to transfer rounds to the K9 without crew exposure.

In service since 2010

K239 Chunmoo

Missile System

K239

The K239 Chunmoo is a wheeled multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) capable of firing 130mm, 227mm, and 239mm guided and unguided rockets as well as the CTM-290 tactical ballistic missile. Selected by Poland, Romania, and reportedly the UAE.

In service since 2015

K9 Thunder

Artillery

K9A1/A2

The K9 Thunder is a 155mm/52-caliber self-propelled howitzer that has become one of the most exported artillery systems in the world. Over 1,700 units have been produced for South Korea and export customers including Poland, Norway, Finland, Egypt, India, Estonia, Australia, and Romania.

In service since 1999

Redback IFV

Infantry Fighting Vehicle

AS21

The AS21 Redback is a next-generation infantry fighting vehicle developed to meet the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 requirement. Features a 30mm autocannon turret, advanced protection systems, and capacity for 8 dismounts.

In service since 2019

Export Contracts

Contract Buyer Value Status Date
Estonia Follow-On K239 Chunmoo MLRS Order (3 Additional Launchers) Estonia $155M signed May 11, 2026
Finland K9 Thunder SPH Second Batch Finland $642M signed Apr 9, 2026
Spain K9-Based Artillery Joint Development Spain $5.3B signed Mar 24, 2026
UAE EDGE-DAPA Defense Cooperation Framework United Arab Emirates $35.0B signed Feb 27, 2026
Norway K239 Chunmoo MLRS Selection Norway $2.0B signed Jan 30, 2026
Poland Chunmoo Guided Missile Contract Poland $4.1B signed Dec 30, 2025
Norway K9 VIDAR Third Order (24 Additional Howitzers) Norway N/A signed Dec 1, 2025
Estonia K239 Chunmoo MLRS Order Estonia $315M signed Oct 24, 2025
India Additional K9 Vajra SPH Order India $1.2B signed Jun 1, 2025
Norway K239 Chunmoo MLRS Order Norway $580M signed Mar 1, 2025
Poland Additional K239 Chunmoo Ammunition Order Poland $1.6B signed Feb 1, 2025
Saudi Arabia K9 Thunder SPH Order Saudi Arabia $2.3B signed Jan 15, 2025
Romania K9 Thunder Howitzer Order Romania $1.0B in delivery Jul 1, 2024
Romania K239 Chunmoo MLRS Order Romania $1.3B signed Mar 1, 2024
Poland K9 Second Executive Contract (K9PL) Poland $2.6B in delivery Dec 1, 2023
Romania K9 Thunder SPH Order Romania $920M in delivery Mar 1, 2023
UAE K239 Chunmoo MLRS Order United Arab Emirates $3.5B in delivery Feb 20, 2023
Australia AS21 Redback IFV Selection Australia $5.1B in delivery Feb 1, 2023
Canada LAV Modernization (Hanwha) Canada $3.0B signed Jan 1, 2023
Poland K239 Chunmoo MLRS Order Poland $3.5B in delivery Oct 1, 2022
Poland K9 Thunder SPH Order Poland $3.5B in delivery Jul 27, 2022
Australia Huntsman SPH (K9 Variant) Australia $1.0B signed Dec 1, 2021
Egypt K9 Thunder SPH Order Egypt $1.7B in delivery Feb 1, 2021
Estonia K9 Thunder SPH Order Estonia $58M completed May 1, 2018
Norway K9 Thunder SPH Order Norway $240M completed Jun 1, 2017
India K9 Vajra SPH Order India $700M completed Apr 1, 2017
Finland K9 Thunder SPH Order Finland $170M completed Feb 1, 2017