The US Army has ordered nine prototypes of Hanwha Defense’s K9 Mobile Howitzer under its Mobile Tactical Cannon-Wheeled programme. Developed from the company’s tracked K9 Thunder, the system is a wheeled 155mm self-propelled howitzer designated the XM-1776 Mobile Tactical Cannon. The programme is intended to provide more mobile, automated and survivable artillery, with Stryker brigades expected to receive the first systems before the capability is extended to mobile and infantry brigades.
Hanwha Defense USA Land Systems Chief Operating Officer Mike Smith reportedly said that the Army ordered six systems in August and three more in September. The initial six are covered by a $100 million other transaction authority award announced in August. The agreement includes an option for 12 additional units, potentially bringing the total value to $263 million.
**Local Production and Supply Chain:** Most work on the 18 howitzers is expected to take place in South Korea. However, the US Army has prioritised suppliers that plan to move supply-chain activities to the United States within two years of the initial award. At full-rate production, Hanwha intends to initially manufacture 24 howitzers and 24 ammunition resupply vehicles each year. The company is establishing an integration and testing facility in Opelika, Alabama, for the XM-1776 and the wider K9 howitzer family. It also plans to work with more than 70 existing and potential US suppliers to increase domestic participation and localise parts of its supply chain.
