Korean defense exports win NATO support but also face scrutiny

Hanwha Aerospace’s ‘K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer’. (Hanwha Aerospace)

European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, are emerging as advocates for Korean weapons manufacturers, according to a recent anecdote. Hanwha Aerospace Co. recently won a contract worth 1.7 trillion won ($1.27 billion) with Romania to supply 45 self-propelled howitzers K9 Thunder and 36 K10 ammunition carriers, with support from Norway.

Last year, Hanwha Aerospace sought assistance from Norway in 2023 to promote the K9 howitzer, as the Korean weapon system maker was struggling to market it effectively. The request was for Norwegian military officials to join briefings for the Romanian military in Norway.

Norway, a NATO member that became a buyer of the K9 in 2017, was seen as a credible nation to promote the system‘s strengths. During the briefing, Norwegian military officials introduced the specific details of the howitzers, including their durability, range, and operational capabilities. This level of support is considered rare in the defense sector, as NATO countries typically use first weapons from fellow members.

Despite the growing appeal of Korean defense products in NATO, they are also facing increased scrutiny. French President Emmanuel Macron recently criticized the increasingly common use of Korean-made military equipment, stating that “European security requires more European-made military equipment” in a public speech.