The U.S. Army has received its first K9 Mobile Howitzer (K9MH) wheeled self-propelled artillery system from the South Korean company Hanwha Defense USA.
Defense News reported this on October 12.
According to Brigadier General Robert Mikesh, the military plans to test the system under near-combat conditions and gather feedback from artillery crews before deciding on further deployment.
In August 2026, the U.S. Army signed a four-year contract with Hanwha Defense USA worth up to $262.9 million.
The agreement provides for the delivery of six K9MH prototypes, with an option to order 12 additional units.
The South Korean company is also establishing a facility in Opelika, Alabama, to integrate and test artillery systems.
Over the next two years, the manufacturer is to localize production in the U.S.
Data from testing will inform a decision on subsequent serial production of the MTC.
If the program is approved, the new system is set to replace the M777 towed howitzers in some U.S. Army units.
The MTC program aims to replace more than 400 artillery systems within Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), particularly in light and mobile infantry units. The new system is expected to significantly increase their firepower, mobility, and reliability.
The MTC program calls for the use of a wheeled chassis, a gun with a barrel length of 49 to 56 calibers, and ammunition already in service with the U.S. Army.
Militarnyi previously reported that, in addition to the USA, Spain is developing a new wheeled self-propelled artillery system based on components from South Korea’s K9 Thunder system.
Source: Militaryni
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