Expands Defense Cooperation with UK
Hanwha Aerospace has announced a groundbreaking 175.9 billion won (US$143.4 million) contract with the U.K.’s BAE Systems for the supply of modular charge systems (MCS) for 155 mm artillery shells used by NATO member countries. The contract was revealed on Nov. 23.
The MCS, a cylindrical modular propellant, is a key ammunition component loaded behind the warhead, propelling it to a predetermined range out of the gun barrel. This marks Hanwha Aerospace’s first-ever export of charges applicable to NATO standard 155 mm artillery shells. Anticipating a surge in demand from NATO countries amid Europe’s geopolitical crisis, Hanwha Aerospace proactively began developing MCS to meet NATO range standards in 2019, completing development earlier this year.
The export version of MCS has been enhanced in terms of the external casing’s rigidity to withstand the impact of automatic loading mechanisms in self-propelled howitzers. If the K9A2 self-propelled howitzer is selected for the U.K.’s ongoing Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) acquisition project, a consortium-type arrangement, MCS would also be supplied, enabling package-type exports.
On Nov. 22 (local time), Hanwha Aerospace also signed a comprehensive business cooperation memorandum of understanding with the U.K. defense company Babcock. Under this MOU, both parties plan to collaboratively develop global projects across land, sea, and air.
Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, expressed his ambitions, saying, “With the first export of MCS for NATO members, we aim to expand our cooperation with U.K. defense companies in various defense sectors. This is a significant step in increasing South Korea’s defense exports and contributing to the security of the free world.”