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Australian defence stakeholders have taken part in a collaboration event hosted by Hanwha Defense in South Korea.
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Hanwha Defense has hosted an Australian delegation in South Korea for an ‘Industry Day’, designed to strengthen cooperation across the company’s localised defence projects, including the $0.9-$1.3 billion LAND 8116 contract to deliver 30 AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzers and 15 AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles for the Australian Defence Force.
The event followed a week-long engagement in Changwon, 400 kilometres south of Seoul, aimed at showcasing Korean manufacturing expertise.
The Australian delegation included representatives from ANCA Engineering Solutions; Elphinstone; HiFraser; Penske Australia; the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG); and the Australian Army.
The delegation was joined by Changwon-based South Korean suppliers, including STX Engine, SNT Dynamics and Mottrol.
“It’s a great honour to host this inaugural Industry Day event for our Australian industry partners,” Son Jae-il, CEO and president of Hanwha Defense, said in a welcoming speech.
“This is a great opportunity for all of us to improve our partnership further, as Hanwha Defense is fully committed to creating opportunities within Australian defence supply chains, as well as to improving Australia’s military capability.”
As part of the seminar, South Korean and Australian industry partners explored ways to maximise collaboration on the local manufacturing and supply of key components, including chassis, power-packs, automatic fire suppression systems, and suspension units.
“The Australian delegation have been highly impressed by the Korean companies they have met with this week, including the capability they’ve observed in the factories and the warm welcome and hospitality from the Korean people,” Millie Keating, industrial development unit (IDU) manager from Hanwha Defense Australia said.
“This week, and the discussion at this seminar today, has reinforced the strength and dedicated in the relationships between our respective nations which Hanwha Defense sees as critical for our collective global success.”
Participants also toured the showroom of Global Campus — the R&D hub of Hanwha Defense — and production lines where the K9 self-propelled howitzer and other high-end combat armoured vehicles are manufactured.
Son said Australia would be a manufacturing hub for the company’s export bids.
“With the very first overseas manufacturing facility in Geelong, Hanwha Defense Australia will be creating jobs within Australia and will make best efforts to become a trusted partner contributing to the local economy,” Son said.
“Moreover, the Australian market will serve as a gateway for Hanwha’s defence exports to the Five Eye nations.”
