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The AS9 Huntsman, acquired under the Hanwha Defense Australia-led LAND 8116 Phase 1 program, has successfully demonstrated its automatic fire and explosion suppression capability in partnership with HIFraser and DNB.
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The testing was delivered under a partnership between Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), Sydney’s HIFraser and Busan’s DNB and demonstrated compliance with international test standards utilising the DNB Automation Fire and Explosion Suppression System (AFESS) technology.
The recent test activity was undertaken in November at a DNB facility on two steel hull structures that mimicked the AS9.
Two test rigs went through assessments to test the AFESS system, which Hanwha Defense Australia outlined included an engine compartment fire suppression test, fire suppressant concentration tests, and a crew compartment hydrocarbon explosion suppression test.
The prime contractor expects that the tests will meet contracted requirements.
According to HDA, the first three AFESS sets will be built by DNB in the Republic of Korea using Korean and Australian components, with the following 42 systems assembled by HIFraser in Sydney with additional Australian parts.
HIFraser and DNB have been working together to facilitate technology transfer for Australian and international opportunities.
The AFESS systems will be delivered for integration at Hanwha’s Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE).
Just days before the announcement, Hanwha Aerospace announced the signing of an additional executive contract with the Polish Armaments Agency worth 3.45 trillion Korean won (US$2.6 billion) to support the delivery of K9 self-propelled howitzers, supporting equipment and technology transfer.
The signing of this contract marks the second executive contract between the two bodies, following the framework contract and first executive contract, both signed in 2022.
As part of the agreement, South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace will supply Poland with 152 K9 self-propelled howitzers and an integrated logistics support (ILS) package for maintenance. Additionally, the contract also covers the supply of 155mm howitzer self-propelled ammunition packages.
The technology transfer will also enable the streamlining of local production of maintenance parts for weapon systems, as well as technical support to maintain, renovate, and modernise the Polish defence industry.
A Hanwha spokesperson welcomed the contract signing, saying: “Hanwha Aerospace takes pride in our ongoing commitment to delivering deterrence solutions to key regions with urgent demand. We are dedicated to working with our Polish partners to ensure effective and cost-saving solutions to strengthen their defence capabilities.”
The company is committed to integrating advanced defence technologies into the fabric of the Polish defence landscape. Hanwha aims to fortify a partnership that not only meets Poland’s immediate defence needs but also fosters long-term resilience and innovation in the country’s defence sector.
