LAND FORCES JUST IN: Hanwha to Deliver First Mobile Cannon Prototype to Army in Fall By Tabitha Reeves Hanwha Defense USA photo Hanwha Defense USA is set to deliver up to 18 prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers to the Army at an accelerated pace for the service’s new Mobile Tactical Cannon program, according to company and service press releases announcing the deal Aug. 18. The contract — awarded under an Other Transaction Authority and marking Hanwha Defense USA’s first major Army contract — prioritizes the quick delivery of six howitzers, with an option for the Army to add 12 more within a roughly four-year performance period, the service release said. The initial six will arrive within a year of inking the deal and the first unit will be ready in early fall, company officials said during a media roundtable Aug. 19. “The Army has made it clear that modernizing artillery is an urgent need, and the schedule reflects that,” Todd Mueller, executive director for fires capture programs at Hanwha Defense USA, said during the roundtable. The initial award is worth $100.3 million, while the total cost of the agreement can reach up to $262.9 million if the Army procures all 18, said Mike Smith, the company’s chief operating officer and president of land systems. If the service opts for full-rate production after the prototype phase, the first batch would consist of roughly 480 vehicles. Hanwha Defense USA — which is under the umbrella of South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group — beat out a host of industry competitors for the Mobile Tactical Cannon deal, including: a three-company team of Elbit Systems of America, Anduril Industries and Oshkosh Defense; a two-company team of Leonardo DRS and KNDS; American Rheinmetall; BAE Systems; General Dynamics Land Systems; and partners AM General and Kalyani Strategic Systems,