Hanwha Defense USA is pitching its K9 Mobile Howitzer to the U.S. Army for inclusion in future artillery strategy. (Company photo)
By Troy Turner
OPELIKA — Hanwha Defense USA, a defense company that touts expertise in production techniques and supply-chain strategy, announced today that it is establishing a site in Opelika that will serve as the U.S. integration and test facility for its family of K9 Mobile Howitzers.
Hanwha hopes to provide the U.S. Army “with a mature, available, low-risk, and rapidly fieldable 155 mm artillery system that supports the Army’s modernization and long-range precision fires objectives.”
The company is pitching the weapon system as having technical superiority, affordability, “and a supply chain localization plan that will bring proven advanced manufacturing, demonstrated defense technology, and good jobs to the U.S.
“Phase 1 includes the creation of approximately 40 jobs in Opelika,” Hanwha announced, adding that it will continue to evaluate future phases and locations as it expands its U.S. artillery systems footprint.
Hanwha Defense USA is an American affiliate of the Hanwha Group based in Arlington, Virginia.
It signed a three-year lease as part of the company’s strategic commitment to invest more than $2 million in the U.S. artillery system supply chain, enhance America’s combat vehicle industrial base and serve as a long-term artillery modernization partner to the U.S. Army.
While the Opelika announcement is significant to a possible future growth presence in Alabama if the company secures additional contracts with the Army, it comes on the heels of a much bigger headline.
Hanwha recently committed to invest approximately $1.3 billion to build a new munitions facility in Arkansas, a major step in Hanwha’s expansion of its domestic manufacturing footprint.
“We are investing in infrastructure modernization and organic growth in the continental U.S. to bolster domestic production, partner with other U.S. defense companies, and revitalize America’s defense industrial base,” the company announced.
“Similar to the company’s existing efforts in Australia and Europe, we are proud to serve as the conduit for the onshoring of technology and efficient production practices from Hanwha’s world-leading shipbuilding, artillery and munitions operations.”
Opelika will serve a role in that domestic footprint, officials said.
“We already know this community. We already know this workforce. Building here isn’t just a smart business decision, it’s an extension of our existing partnership,” said Hanwha Defense USA COO Mike Smith. “We’re committed to rapid prototyping and production ramp-up through U.S. partnerships as well as creating local production jobs in Alabama, ensuring resilient domestic supply chains, and working with local community and educational institutions, including nearby engineering students.”
Alabama officials welcomed the Opelika inclusion.
“Hanwha’s decision to establish Opelika’s first national defense initiative here marks a significant milestone for our community,” said Opelika Mayor Eddie Smith in the company’s announcement. “This project not only strengthens our local economy, but also highlights the strategic advantages Opelika offers, from our proximity to Auburn University’s exceptional talent pipeline to our longstanding partnership with Fort Benning.
“We are proud to support efforts that contribute to our nation’s defense while creating new opportunities for our citizens.”
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
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