Spain and South Korea Forge Alliance for Next-Generation Artillery
Spain is moving forward with a significant modernization of its artillery capabilities through a partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and Spanish defense firm Indra. A binding agreement signed on March 24, 2026, will see the co-development and production of K9-based self-propelled howitzers, bolstering Spain’s defense industrial base and enhancing its military firepower. This collaboration marks the first time a domestic defense company will supply finished products to Western Europe for Hanwha Aerospace.
The K9 Partnership: A Deep Dive
Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will provide the K9 Thunder artillery system platform, a tracked self-propelled howitzer already in service with several NATO members, including Poland, Norway, and Finland. Indra will be responsible for manufacturing the hulls in Spain and integrating crucial mission systems, battlefield management architecture, communications suites, and situational awareness technologies. Army Recognition reports that the program aims to replace legacy artillery systems and expand Spain’s national defense industrial base.
Investment and Production Details
Indra will invest €130 million (approximately $145 million USD) to upgrade its plant in Gijón, Spain, with advanced manufacturing equipment and establish a new integration facility. Defense News details that the program encompasses the production of 280 tracked vehicles, including 128 artillery vehicles and 120 ammunition resupply vehicles, alongside recovery vehicles and command-and-control units. The total budget for the project is valued at €4.55 billion (U.S. $5.3 billion).
Strategic Implications and European Expansion
This partnership signifies a broadening of K-defense exports in Europe, extending beyond Eastern and Northern Europe to include Western European markets traditionally dominated by established defense industries. KedGlobal highlights that Hanwha Aerospace’s willingness to collaborate with local defense industries has been key to securing these deals. Ángel Escribano, Chairman of Indra, emphasized that the alliance will provide the Spanish Armed Forces with “true sovereignty and autonomy” throughout the lifecycle of the new land platforms. Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, stated the company will deliver a “reliable solution” to the Spanish military by combining its artillery expertise with Indra’s industrial strengths.
Expanding Hanwha’s Global Footprint
This deal builds on Hanwha Aerospace’s recent successes, including a 2023 contract to supply 155mm artillery modular charges to BAE Systems. However, the K9 howitzer deal represents a significant step forward, as it involves the supply of complete, finished products to a Western European nation. Hanwha Aerospace is also investing approximately €260 million ($302 million USD) in defense projects in Estonia, including an ammunition production facility and weapons maintenance hub, further deepening its presence in the European defense market.