South Korean firm Hanwha Aerospace and UAE’s Generation 5 Holding have signed an agreement to jointly manufacture the 155 mm self‑propelled K9 Thunder howitzer in the United Arab Emirates. Under the deal, the Emirati partner will handle local production support and regional market access, aiming to supply the K9 to Middle‑Eastern customers and develop indigenous defence capabilities.
The K9 Thunder is one of the world’s most successful artillery systems, previously exported to several countries, including a $1.7 billion contract with Egypt in 2022 that incorporated local sub‑system production. The new collaboration comes as global demand for 155 mm artillery has surged following the war in Ukraine, prompting many nations to seek longer‑range firepower.
Generation 5 Holding, which owns the UAE defence contractor Calidus, is expanding its portfolio of domestically developed armoured vehicles, UAVs and missiles. Hanwha views the Middle East as a strategic market, and local production in the UAE is expected to enhance defence self‑sufficiency for regional partners while providing closer after‑sales support.