Romania receives first K9 Thunder howitzers from South Korea

Romania has received its first shipment of K9 Thunder 155-mm self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. The delivery, which arrived on September 25, 2026, includes the howitzers along with K10 ammunition resupply vehicles and K12 recovery vehicles.

This shipment is part of a nearly $1 billion contract signed with Hanwha Aerospace in July 2024. The agreement covers a total of 54 K9 howitzers, 36 K10 resupply vehicles, and various support vehicles, as well as 18,000 155-mm projectiles. While the first 18 howitzers and 12 K10 vehicles are manufactured in South Korea, subsequent production is planned for Romania.

Hanwha Aerospace has accelerated the delivery schedule to allow for testing and evaluation in the second half of 2026, whereas deliveries were originally slated to begin in 2027. The company has already established its first European production facility in Petrești, Dâmbovița County, to support the assembly, testing, and maintenance of these systems. Full deliveries are expected to be completed by 2029.