On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol welcomed Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to Seoul, where they discussed enhancing cooperation in the military industry, including joint weapons production and the supply of K9 self-propelled howitzers. This move is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the global defense industry, particularly in Europe. Indeed, Poland is also a major partner of South Korea, with recent meetings between the two countries’ authorities focusing on the supply of K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo K-MLRS.
Defense relations between Romania and South Korea are marked by recent agreements that underscore their mutual commitment to military modernization and defense cooperation. Specifically, Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea is in discussions for a contract worth about 1 trillion won (approximately $725.7 million) to supply K9 howitzers to Romania. This would be the first major defense contract between the two countries, with significant implications for strengthening Romanian defense capabilities.
Additionally, in 2021, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Hanwha and the Romanian state defense company for the export of the K9 self-propelled howitzer and infantry fighting vehicles, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration in technology and logistics support.