► Hanwha Defense join hands with PGZ to expand cooperation on advanced defence systems

September 7, 2022 – Hanwha Defense, the largest defence company in South Korea, and Poland’s state-funded defence group, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for enhancing bilateral industrial partnership.

Signed on the second day of the MSPO defence and security fair in Kielce, Poland, the MoU is associated with the supply of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) and other advanced ground equipment, agreed upon by the Governments of South Korea and Poland under the Framework
Contract signed in late July. Hanwha Defense signed the first phase of executive contract with Poland on August 26 to supply hundreds of K9 SPHs between 2022 and 2026.

The Hanwha-PGZ MoU specifies the partnership at production, servicing, life-cycle cost and future development of K9 SPHs. Other fields of potential cooperation include infantry fighting vehicles and multiple launch rocket systems when those solutions will be ordered by the Polish Armed Forces.
Cooperation on the K9 SPH is focused on maximizing partnership in areas such as R&D, manufacturing, overhaul and modernization of related solutions for Polish, South Korean and other third party projects. The roadmap of this cooperation includes modernization of the K9 to K9PL standard and joint R&D on next-generation field artillery systems.

“I’m very proud that the partnership between Hanwha Defense and Poland have grown to enter a new phase of expanded cooperation based on the latest Framework Agreement and Executive Contract,” said Mr. Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense. “Poland will be a hub base for Hanwha’s global expansion, especially in Europe. To that end, we are dedicated to work together with the Government of Poland with full partnership and trust.

“The Polish defence industry has over a decade of fruitful cooperation with Hanwha Defense. The most recognizable effect of this cooperation is the KRAB howitzers, not-so-distant relative of the K9 SPH,” said Mr. Sebastian Chwalek, CEO of PGZ. “Today’s agreement is the next stage of this cooperation, which will translate into the development of both our economies and an increase in the potential of armed forces of our countries.”

The partnership agreement between the largest defence groups both in South Korea and Poland signifies progress of bilateral defence cooperation, creating greater synergy in a variety of arms projects.

“Both Hanwha and PGZ have full capabilities to develop, produce, deliver almost all types of weapons systems ranging from missiles to ground equipment and sensor systems,” said Mr. Billy Lee Boo-hwan, Executive Vice President of Overseas Business Division, Hanwha Defense. “Through active cooperation between the two defence giants, I’m sure we can produce the greatest synergy and best outcomes.”-

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