According to information published by the “Defense Romania” website, Romania is primed to initiate its 155 mm self-propelled howitzer armament program in the imminent future, focusing on industrial cooperation. In pursuit of this goal, Romania has been in talks with South Korean defense manufacturer, Hanwha, to produce some components of the K9 Thunder howitzers domestically.
The Romanian Ministry of National Defense has already sought parliamentary approval to kick-start various armament programs, including the self-propelled howitzer project. The entire program, which encompasses the acquisition of five battalion-level 155 mm self-propelled howitzer systems, is estimated to be worth $1.923 billion.
The Defense Romania website has disclosed that Romania could acquire a total of 59 South Korean K9 155mm self-propelled howitzers, with the initial acquisition consisting of 18 howitzers.
In a recent strategic event organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Romania, Daniela Nicolescu, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, confirmed talks with Hanwha regarding the production of K9 Thunder howitzers components in Romania. The South Korean company Poongsan was also involved in discussions about powder production.
Romania’s National Company, Romarm, has entered two Memorandums of Understanding with South Korean firms Hanwha Aerospace and LIG Nex1, a missile manufacturer, earlier this year. The procurement of 155 mm self-propelled howitzers is expected to commence soon, with several tenders, including Hanwha’s offer of K9 Thunder howitzers, anticipated.