Key facts
- The U.S. Army has selected Hanwha Defense USA to provide prototypes for its Mobile Tactical Cannon program.
- The contract includes an initial delivery of six systems with an option for an additional 12.
- The total value of the agreement could reach $262.9 million.
- Soldiers will conduct operational experiments with the prototypes to evaluate their performance, reliability, and supportability.
- The Mobile Tactical Cannon is intended to replace the M777 towed artillery system in certain Army units.
- Hanwha Defense USA is establishing a production facility in Opelika, Alabama.
The U.S. Army has awarded Hanwha Defense USA, a subsidiary of South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, a contract to supply prototypes for its new Mobile Tactical Cannon program. This selection marks a significant advancement for the South Korean defense firm in the competitive U.S. weapons market.
The agreement calls for the accelerated delivery of six prototype systems, with an option for an additional 12, potentially reaching a total value of $262.9 million. These prototypes will undergo rigorous testing and operational experiments by soldiers to assess their performance, reliability, and supportability under realistic combat conditions.
The data gathered from these experiments will directly inform senior Army leaders' decisions regarding the future fielding of the system. If approved, the Mobile Tactical Cannon is slated to replace the M777 towed artillery in select Army units, aiming to significantly enhance lethality, mobility, and survivability on the modern battlefield.
This award follows an intensive market research period and vendor demonstration events, confirming the availability of mature, mobile tactical cannon platforms. Hanwha Defense USA is also establishing a howitzer production facility in Opelika, Alabama, to serve as an integration and test site, underscoring its commitment to the U.S. market.