Romania Closer To K9 Howitzer Procurement
In recent years the Korean military industry has increased its presence in the European market. The initial trials of the K2 in Norway and its procurement by the Polish Armed Forces, along with other military equipment, paved the way for more markets. Reports by Defense Romania suggest that Bukarest is nearing the purchase of Korean self-propelled howitzers and the final agreement may be signed this year.
Under the latest procurement program, the Romanian Ministry of Defense seeks to obtain an estimated 100 155mm artillery systems, roughly 5 battalions consisting of 4 artillery batteries each, with the procurement divided into two stages.
The first stage establishes the procurement of 54 artillery systems while the rest of the vehicles would be obtained in the second stage. The program is set to finalize in 2028. Koreans are supposedly leading in negotiations but the tender has not been officially announced yet. However, this did not stand in the way of a public reveal of the talks already concluded between representatives of Hanhwa and Poogsan with the Romanian government.
Daniela Nicolescu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania, said:
[…] since the beginning of the year we had discussions with two Korean companies, Hanwha and Poongsan, companies with whom we discussed the production (of components) of the 155 mm caliber self-propelled howitzer (K9 Thunder) and the manufacture of powders.
K9 is not the only Korean piece of combat equipment offered to Romania. Earlier this year Romarm signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha in regard to the manufacture of K239 Chunmoo MLRS, Infantry Fighting Vehicles, munitions, and self-propelled howitzers.
Korean companies are certainly looking to the future and are aiming to expand their European client base. The most important task for Hanwha, among other Korean companies, is to deliver an answer to contemporary Romanian needs, building on Polish and Norwegian orders for K9 and an order forChunmoo from Poland.