Washington:The U.S. Army has acquired its first mobile howitzer system manufactured in South Korea, marking a significant step in updating its artillery systems. This development is part of an initiative to replace the aging M777 towed howitzers.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) was showcased at a recent U.S. Army event in Washington. Produced by Hanwha Defense USA, a subsidiary of South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Co., the MTC is based on the K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery system, which has been in use by the South Korean military since 1999.
Brig. Gen. Robert Mikesh Jr., the Army's portfolio management executive for offensive fires, expressed enthusiasm about the new system, emphasizing the importance of soldier feedback during its testing phase.
The contract for the MTC program includes six prototypes, with an option for twelve more, valued at up to $262.9 million. Hanwha Defense USA was selected in August to develop these prototypes, focusing on mobility and effectiveness to meet the Army's needs.
Hanwha highlighted that this contract represents the K9 system's first entry into the U.S. defense market. The company aims to establish a stable production base in the U.S. as part of its localization strategy.
The new artillery systems are expected to be initially deployed to Stryker brigade combat teams, further enhancing the Army's operational capabilities.