Romania Orders South Korean K9 Howitzers for $940M

Hanwha Aerospace and the Romanian Ministry of Defense signed an export contract for the Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer on July 9, South Korean arms procurement agency announced today.

The contract is valued at approximately 1.3 trillion won (nearly $940 million) and includes the delivery of 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers, 36 K10 ammunition transport vehicles, and other related vehicles and ammunition.

Over the past year, high-level exchanges have included visits by the Romanian president, mutual visits by the prime ministers of both countries, and three visits to South Korea by the Romanian Minister of Defense. These visits have been pivotal in negotiating the K9 export contract, with key support from South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

Following the export of the Shingung surface-to-air missile system last year, Romania is emerging as a key defense industry partner for South Korea in Central Europe. DAPA plans to continue supporting various export activities, including promoting the Redback armored vehicle for Romania's next-generation infantry fighting vehicle project.