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South Korea and Egypt Advance K9 Howitzer Deal with Local Production Plans

Updated (2 articles)

Deal Foundations and Delivery Timeline In 2022 Hanwha Aerospace signed a 2 trillion‑won (US$1.4 billion) contract to supply the K9 self‑propelled howitzer to Egypt, with the first units slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2026 [1][2]. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea oversees the agreement and emphasizes its strategic importance for bilateral defense ties [1]. Both articles confirm that the delivery schedule remains unchanged despite ongoing negotiations.

Expo Platform Enables Direct Negotiations The Egypt Defence Expo, held in Cairo from Dec. 1‑4, 2025, served as the backdrop for high‑level talks on Dec. 5 between South Korean and Egyptian defense officials [1]. DAPA officials visited Hanwha Aerospace’s local office and manufacturing plant to assess production capabilities, reinforcing the agency’s coordinating role [1]. Hanwha’s participation in the expo showcased the K9 and other systems, providing a venue for stakeholders to discuss future cooperation [2].

Local Production and Technology Transfer Plans Both sources report that the parties are exploring a phased approach to building K9 howitzers within Egypt, aiming to develop domestic manufacturing capacity [1]. DAPA’s on‑site assessment focused on the feasibility of technology transfer and joint production lines [1]. The plan would allow Egypt to gradually increase its self‑sufficiency while maintaining compatibility with the original Korean design.

Broader Product Showcase and Market Strategy At the expo Hanwha displayed the K9 howitzer, the Chunmoo multiple‑rocket launcher (including an anti‑ship ballistic missile variant), a long‑range surface‑to‑air missile system, and a counter‑UAS solution [2]. President Sung Il highlighted the company’s intention to broaden its footprint across the Middle East and Africa with integrated security solutions [2]. The exhibition underscored Hanwha’s diversified portfolio beyond the K9, positioning it for future contracts in the region.

Sources

Timeline

2022 – Hanwha Aerospace signs a 2 trillion‑won (US$1.4 billion) contract to export K9 self‑propelled howitzers to Egypt, with deliveries scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 [1].

Nov 30, 2025 – Hanwha Aerospace announces its participation in the Egypt Defence Expo (Dec 1‑4, 2025), where it will exhibit the K9 howitzer, Chunmoo multiple‑rocket launcher, a long‑range surface‑to‑air missile system and a counter‑UAS solution, signaling a push to expand its footprint in African defense markets [2].

Nov 30, 2025 – “We aim to broaden our presence in Middle Eastern and African defense markets with integrated security solutions,” says Sung Il, president of Hanwha Aerospace’s Middle East and Africa division, emphasizing the company’s growth strategy [2].

Dec 5, 2025 – South Korean and Egyptian defense officials meet on the sidelines of the Egypt Defence Expo, with DAPA leading talks to deepen K9 cooperation and explore phased local production of the howitzer in Egypt [1].

Early 2026 (Q1) – Egypt receives the first deliveries of K9 self‑propelled howitzers, marking the operational launch of the bilateral defense partnership and the initial step toward potential domestic manufacturing [1].