Hanwha Aerospace Ramps Up 155mm Extended-Range Shell Production

Hanwha Ramps Up Extended-Range Shell Production for Global Markets

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Jan 26, 2026 - : 3:31 pm

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Hanwha Aerospace has confirmed the commencement of full-scale mass production for its indigenously developed 155mm extended-range artillery shells. The move, announced on 14 January 2026, aims to address a significant backlog of international orders as geopolitical tensions drive a global scramble for high-end munitions. By leveraging its highly automated production lines in South Korea, the company is positioning itself to be the primary supplier for both European NATO members and rapidly modernising militaries across Southeast Asia.

Advancing the K9 Thunder Ecosystem

The new 155mm projectiles represent a 30 per cent increase in range compared to standard high-explosive rounds, pushing the strike capability of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer to approximately 54km. This technological leap is achieved through an advanced base-bleed unit and an additional solid fuel charge. According to company technical briefings, the shells are fully compliant with the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), ensuring interoperability with a wide range of NATO-standard 39- and 52-calibre artillery systems currently deployed across the Asia-Pacific and European theatres.

Strategic Demand from NATO and Asia-Pacific

The surge in production follows a series of landmark contracts and reports from the Korea Herald and KED Global, which highlighted Hanwha’s record-breaking performance in late 2025. In the third quarter of 2025, the firm reported an operating profit of 856.4 billion won (US$594.3 million), largely driven by its land defence division. Initial orders for the extended-range munitions were placed by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in late 2024, but the production scale has now been significantly expanded to accommodate export requirements from countries such as Poland, Romania, and Malaysia.

Strengthening Regional Security Ties

For the Asia-Pacific region, this production ramp-up is particularly significant as nations seek to bolster maritime and coastal defence capabilities. Hanwha has been actively targeting Southeast Asian markets with its "K9 Package," which includes the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle and advanced modular charge systems. In Malaysia, the company has engaged in strategic partnerships to propose its munitions and rocket systems as part of regional modernisation efforts. This approach aligns with Seoul’s broader ambition to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter by 2027, backed by a government commitment of 3 trillion won (US$2.08 billion) to support the defence industry's global expansion.

Global Infrastructure Expansion

To sustain this momentum, Hanwha Aerospace is looking beyond its domestic borders. The company has announced plans to invest approximately US$1 billion in a new manufacturing facility in the United States, slated to begin construction in 2026. This facility will produce modular charge systems and potentially base-bleed units to ensure a localized supply chain for the US Army and its allies. By integrating production facilities within NATO and the Five Eyes territories, Hanwha is transitioning from a traditional exporter to a global strategic partner, ensuring that the "Arsenal of Democracy" has a resilient and technologically superior supply of 155mm ammunition for years to come.