K9 Thunder Howitzers Romania: New Regional Hub Announced
Hanwha Defense has unveiled ambitious plans to establish a regional hub in Romania, aimed at bolstering the production, maintenance, and repair of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, a critical advancement for Romania’s military capabilities. This decision follows the company’s recent contract, which was finalized in 2024, to manufacture 54 K9 vehicles alongside 36 K10 ammunition resupply variants for the Romanian armed forces. Pending government approval, the new facility is expected to take shape in Dâmbovița County over the course of two years, with construction kicking off in the first quarter of 2026.
This initiative represents a significant collaboration between Hanwha Defense and local defense contractors, including notable names like Iveco and Pro Optica. The establishment of this hub is perfectly timed with the anticipated delivery of Romania’s initial batch of K9 howitzers and K10 vehicles coming directly from South Korea. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate around 2,000 jobs, reinforcing both the local economy and Romania’s status within NATO. In addition to the K9 and K10 production, the hub will also facilitate the support of various Hanwha products procured by allied nations.
Commitment to Local Manufacturing
In a statement to Romanian reporters, Hanwha Global Defense CEO Michael Coulter emphasized the strategic importance of domestic production, stating that while the immediate focus is on the delivery of the K9 and K10 vehicles, the long-term vision includes substantial local involvement. “Our priority is the delivery of the K9 and K10 … but we already have several such vehicles in NATO and Europe, so the idea is to be able to produce components, as well as perform maintenance and repairs here in Romania,” Coulter remarked, expressing confidence in the project’s feasibility and timeline.
According to a report from Romania’s state news agency Agerpres, Hanwha’s long-term commitment to the K9 program will unfold in three distinct batches. As the program matures, manufacturing operations are set to transition gradually to Romania, with significant contributions anticipated from local suppliers. This strategic move positions Romania as the 10th nation globally to operate the 155-millimeter weapon system, and notably, it becomes the sixth NATO member to adopt this advanced artillery capability.
Regional Defense Enhancement
The arrival of the K9 Thunder vehicles represents a major leap forward for Romania’s defense technology, enhancing its military preparedness and response capabilities. The K9 system is renowned for its firepower and mobility, making it a valuable asset in modern warfare scenarios. Alongside the K10 support vehicles, which are instrumental in replenishing ammunition, Romania will also emerge as the third global operator of this advanced technology. This shift not only marks a significant upgrade in Romania’s military arsenal but also underlines the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense posture within the NATO framework.
The strategic establishment of a production hub in Romania aligns with broader NATO objectives of enhancing regional security and interoperability among member states. As nations in Eastern Europe continue to navigate evolving security threats, the introduction of the K9 howitzers reaffirms Romania’s role as a capable and reliable ally. The collaboration between local and international defense firms will also foster knowledge transfer and skill development, ultimately contributing to the region’s defense industrial base.
