South Korea’s Hanwha Joins Forces with Emirati Firm to Build K9 Howitzer in the UAE, Enhancing Middle East Defense Capabilities

In a significant move to strengthen its presence in the Middle East market, South Korean defense giant Hanwha has signed an agreement with Emirati firm Generation 5 Holding to jointly manufacture K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers in the United Arab Emirates. This collaboration aims to provide the region with a capable artillery system, supported by local industry expertise and manufacturing capabilities.

Hanwha showcased its latest military technology at the Eurosatory defense expo in Paris, where the partnership was announced. Generation 5 Holding will support local production and market access for the K9 howitzer, which is expected to play a vital role in enhancing the defense capabilities of Middle Eastern countries.

“Under the agreement, Generation 5 Holding will support local production and market access for the K9,” Hanwa stated in a press release. “This partnership is part of Hanwa Aerospace’s strategy to strengthen its position in the Middle East, where it is pursuing local production, maintenance, and technology partnerships as a route to regional customers. In-country manufacture and lifecycle support are intended to build local industrial capability and to provide support closer to where the systems operate.”

The K-9 Thunder is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer contracted by Egypt in 2022 in a deal worth $1.7 billion. The agreement included a coproduction arrangement, where subsystems were produced in Egypt’s Factory 200. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Hanwha’s efforts to expand its presence in Africa and the Middle East.

Hanwa Aerospace has been actively pursuing local production, maintenance, and technology partnerships as a route to regional customers. By establishing partnerships like this one, Hanwa aims to build local industrial capability and provide support closer to where its systems operate.

The move comes at a time when global demand for 155mm artillery is on the rise, particularly after the Ukraine conflict highlighted the necessity of such capabilities in modern combat. The K-9 Thunder’s advanced design and proven track record have made it an attractive option for countries seeking to enhance their defense capabilities.

Generation 5 Holding has its own strengths in aircraft and armored vehicle development and manufacturing. The company’s Calidus division develops its own missile systems, including ALHEDA, a 140mm missile that can be mounted on armored vehicles. In February 2025, the UAE armed forces contracted Calidus to develop and manufacture this missile system.

“By combining our strengths in manufacturing and our integrated industrial capabilities, we are well-positioned to develop, manufacture, and deliver high-performance Howitzer systems to our customers,” said Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director of Generation 5 Holding. “We believe that this partnership will enable us to transfer and localize advanced defense manufacturing technologies, thereby supporting the growth and development of local industries in the region.”

The partnership between Hanwa and Generation 5 Holding is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the defense capabilities of Middle Eastern countries. By manufacturing and supporting the K9 locally, Hanwa aims to strengthen its partners’ defense sovereignty and offer regional customers a capable artillery system with support close to where it operates.

Middle East is a priority market for Hanwa Aerospace. Building strong partnerships with local industry is central to how Hanwa Aerospace is growing its presence in the region. By manufacturing and supporting the K9 locally, Hanwa aims to strengthen its partners’ defense sovereignty and offer regional customers a capable artillery system with support close to where it operates.

The partnership between Hanwa and Generation 5 Holding marks an important step forward for South Korea’s defense industry, which has been actively seeking to expand its presence in the Middle East. The move is also significant for the UAE, which seeks to enhance its defense capabilities through local partnerships and collaborations.

As global demand for defense technology continues to rise, partnerships like this one between Hanwa and Generation 5 Holding are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of regional defense capabilities. By combining their strengths in manufacturing and industrial capabilities, these partners aim to develop, manufacture, and deliver high-performance howitzer systems that meet the evolving needs of Middle Eastern countries.

The development of local industrial capability and the provision of lifecycle support are critical components of Hanwa’s strategy to enhance its presence in the Middle East. By partnering with Generation 5 Holding, Hanwa aims to build on its strengths in manufacturing and technology partnerships, while also expanding its reach into new markets. As the region continues to evolve and grow, partnerships like this one between Hanwa and Generation 5 Holding are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of regional defense capabilities.

Middle Eastern countries will continue to place greater emphasis on developing their own defense industries. This trend is driven by a desire to enhance local sovereignty, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and develop a more robust defense capability. Partnerships like the one between Hanwa and Generation 5 Holding are critical components of this effort, providing access to advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities that can help drive local industry growth.

As global demand for defense technology continues to rise, partnerships like this one between Hanwa and Generation 5 Holding are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of regional defense capabilities. By combining their strengths in manufacturing and industrial capabilities, these partners aim to develop, manufacture, and deliver high-performance howitzer systems that meet the evolving needs of Middle Eastern countries.

Hanwha’s partnership with Generation 5 Holding represents a significant milestone in South Korea’s efforts to expand its presence in the Middle East. By collaborating on the production and support of the K9 howitzer, these partners aim to strengthen regional defense capabilities and provide support closer to where their systems operate. As global demand for defense technology continues to rise, this partnership is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of regional defense capabilities.

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