Hanwha Aerospace breaks ground on K9 production facility in Romania

Hanwha Aerospace Romania today broke ground on its new armored vehicle production facility in Petrești, Dâmbovița County, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the country and in strengthening Europe’s defense industrial capabilities. 

Named the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) Europe, the facility will serve as Hanwha Aerospace’s first production site in Europe, anchoring the company’s long-term partnership with Romania and supporting Romania’s efforts to expand domestic defense manufacturing and contribute more actively to Europe’s defense industrial ecosystem while advancing broader NATO and European security objectives.

Among the distinguished Romanian attendees were H.E. Mr. Marius-Gabriel Lazurca, Presidential Advisor for National Security and Foreign Policy; Barna Tanczos, Vice Prime Minister; H.E. Mr. Ambrozie-Irineu Darău, Minister of Economy; and H.E. Mr. Corneliu Ştefan, President of the Dâmbovița County Council; as well as Mr. Yong-chul Lee, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the construction of a production facility. It is the foundation for Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s evolution into a truly Romanian defense company and a strategic platform for long-term defense cooperation between our two countries,” said Jae-il Son, President and CEO, Hanwha Aerospace. “This will be Hanwha Aerospace’s first production facility in Europe and will grow into a core production site for European land systems. Beyond manufacturing, we are committed to technology transfer and close local cooperation with the goal of integrating Romania as a key pillar of the global defense supply chain.”

A Strategic Industrial Footprint for Romania and Europe

Located in Petrești, Dâmbovița County, the facility will span approximately 181,055 square meters and feature advanced assembly lines, performance and validation testing facilities, a 1,751-meter driving test track, and dedicated R&D laboratories to support the full lifecycle of land systems development, production, and sustainment. 

H-ACE Europe will initially support the local production of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, providing assembly, integration, testing, and lifecycle support capabilities, with the aim of achieving a high level of localization — targeting up to 80% localization through Romanian industry participation.

Under Hanwha Aerospace’s long-term vision, the site has the potential to broaden over time to support additional advanced land systems such as infantry fighting vehicles, long-range precision strike systems, and multi-purpose unmanned ground vehicles — contributing to local job creation, strengthening Romania’s industrial base, and enhancing national and allied defense capabilities.

Hanwha Aerospace Romania estimates that a potential expansion of the facility in connection with the IFV program could create up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, delivering substantial economic benefits for Romania.

Beyond production, Hanwha Aerospace Romania is committed to working closely with Romanian industry partners to integrate them into its global supply chain, supporting skills development, technology transfer, and long-term employment. The company is currently cooperating with more than 30 Romanian partners, forming the foundation for expanded industrial collaboration under its long-term localization strategy.

“Hanwha Aerospace is committed to working alongside Romania so that it can grow not only as a buyer, but as a producer, seller, and exporter within the global defense market. ‘Made in Romania’ will be at the heart of our approach.” said Son. 

Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract with Romania in July 2024 for the supply of 54 K9 SPHs and 36 K10 ARVs. Romania became the tenth member of the K9 User Club, operating the 155 mm/52-caliber K9 SPH. Among NATO member states, Romania is the sixth country to operate the K9 system. 

About Hanwha Aerospace Romania 

Established in 2025, Hanwha Aerospace Romania is a Romanian subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, headquartered in South Korea, supporting long-term industrial cooperation, localization, and defense capability development in the country and across Europe.

Through its operations in Romania, Hanwha Aerospace is committed to supporting the local production, sustainment, and lifecycle management of advanced land systems, while working closely with Romanian industry partners, research institutions, and suppliers. The company’s approach focuses on technology transfer, skills development, and integration of local companies into Hanwha Aerospace’s global supply chain.

Hanwha Aerospace Romania aims to contribute to Romania’s defense modernization efforts, strengthen the national industrial base, and support the country’s role as a growing contributor within Europe’s and NATO’s defense industrial ecosystem.