• Hanwha Defense USA offers proven solutions to meet the urgent needs of the U.S. and Canadian armies.
• Hanwha emphasizes international interoperability and industrial agility by presenting adaptive and dependable ordnance, munitions, and combat vehicles.
• Hanwha to showcase wheeled self-propelled howitzer, uncrewed transport robotic vehicle, and modular charge system.

Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) and its parent company Hanwha Aerospace will exhibit artillery and other defense products at the upcoming Association of the U.S. Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition, taking place from October 14 to16, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

HDUSA seeks to leverage Hanwha’s proven technologies and mature production processes to locally deliver defense solutions that meet the most urgent needs of the United States and Canadian armies.  Hanwha will emphasize international interoperability and industrial agility by presenting adaptive and dependable ordnance, munitions, and vehicles during the three-day show.  This is very much aligned with this year’s theme of “Transforming for a Complex World.”

“HDUSA has the benefit of Hanwha’s expansive range of proven and reliable systems. But it’s more than that. Hanwha has a rich legacy of predictable program performance through disciplined process execution,” said Mike Smith, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA. “This is what HDUSA is positioned to bring to the US customer cost-effective combat capability beyond the speed of need.”

“We are focused on providing low-risk, long-range artillery capability, enhanced human effectiveness through manned and unmanned teaming solutions, and finding ways to ‘innovate at the round’ to address deficits in range, capacity, and survivability of current systems,” Mike added. “We believe there is a window to help the Army meet its needs with the proven platforms and technology we offer.”

Highlights of Hanwha’s show display include:

K9A2 Self-Propelled Howitzer: The 155mm/52-calibre K9A2 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) has a fully automatic handling system, an automatic turret, and an increased rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute at the push of a button, compared to the A1 with a rate of fire of 6 to 8.  At this year’s show, HDUSA will be showcasing the A2 variant—a first for AUSA.

The K9 is the most widely used SPH in the world due to its firepower, high mobility, and survivability. It can engage targets at a range of 40 kilometers with currently available conventional ammunition and has demonstrated a range of 50+ kilometers with various extended projectiles. About 2,000 K9 vehicles, including localized variants, are in production or in service with ten nations, including Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, and Egypt, with the most recent country being Romania.

Modular Charge System: Hanwha’s 155mm Artillery Modular Charge System (MCS) is a Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU)-compliant modular charge designed for use in 39 and 52 caliber gun configurations. The MCS features a clean burning charge that leaves little to no residue, eliminating the need for barrel swabbing between fires; the system is also equipped with high-strength combustible cases that can withstand the demands of rapid firing—both of which contribute to an increased rate of fire.

GRUNT (GRound UNcrewed Transport): The GRound UNcrewed Transport (GRUNT) is a 6×6 hybrid electric vehicle designed to support infantry operations, such as ammunition transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and fire support. The vehicle can drive up to 290 kilometers when fully charged and has a maximum payload of more than 900 kilograms, offering a significant improvement in combat support and maneuvering capabilities. The GRUNT is an evolution from the legacy Arion-SMET, offering enhanced capability.

Wheeled Howitzer: Hanwha Aerospace is developing a wheeled Mobile Howitzer (MH) utilizing K9A2 turret technology, an adapter/mounting ring with stabilizers, and a heavy (8×8) truck platform. The MH is in the prototyping phase and will use a 52-calibre armament common with the K9A1/2, have a fully automated firing sequence, and be paired with a wheeled resupply vehicle utilizing the same ammunition transfer technology found in the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle (ARV). With this new platform underway, Hanwha’s customers will have options of tracked and wheeled platforms that offer the same high performance.

Integrated Vetronics System: Hanwha Systems, an affiliate of Hanwha Aerospace, will display its integrated Vetronics System (IVS), which functions as the “brain” and “sensory network” of various ground combat systems such as main battle tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled howitzers

Please visit Hall B/Booth No. 2809 to see the displays and learn more about Hanwha’s offerings.

On September 24, 2024, the US Army declared that it had chosen American Rheinmetall Vehicles LLC (ARV) and HDT Expeditionary Systems Inc. to supply unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) prototypes for additional assessment in order to meet its needs for the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transporter Increment II (S-MET II).

The S-MET is intended to provide the small unit with a means to carry a variety of different loads to enhance its sustainability and capability for more autonomous operations. An earlier S-MET I from General Dynamics Land Systems has been in field service with Army light infantry units. Army program officials have stated that S-MET II’s requirements reflect lessons learned from use of this earlier UGV.

S-MET II’s primary users will be Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Security Force Assistance Brigades. The S-MET is essentially a self-powered platform that can be controlled remotely by a single soldier and accompany the unit across various terrain in all weather conditions.

S-MET II will double the earlier model’s the payload carried to 2000 lbs (910 kg), offer increased exportable power, have a lower noise signature, increased reliability, to include wireless mesh communications, and worldwide grid charging. Equipping the platform to enable modern mission payloads like Unmanned Air Systems and communications equipment are key additional capabilities.

S-MET II is also to be a modular system with an open architecture that will allow for easier and cost-effective upgrading.

Each company has received a US$22 million contract to provide eight S-MET II prototypes for development testing.

• ARV has proposed a variation of its Mission Master SP (Silent Partner). It uses a low-signature electric motor for stealth and agility and is designed for forward resupply or as a sensor or weapon carrier. The Mission Master is being supplied to the Japanese Seld Defence Forces and was recently demonstrated to the US Marines.
• HDT has offered its WOLF with a 2200 lb capacity in a rugger 6 X 6 vehicle. It has a range of 200 miles with self-charging hybrid-electric drivetrain.

Following testing the Army will place a production contract which is scheduled for the end of late Fiscal Year 2027 (between July and September 2024). The announced Army Acquisition Objective is for up to 2,195 systems.

by Stephen W. Miller