Korean k-9 howitzer displayed at US military exhibition

South Korea’s arms maker Hanhwa Techwin has showcased a self-propelled howitzer in a major international trade show of weapons currently taking place in Washington, the US, the Seoul-based company said Monday. 

The K-9 Thunder was displayed at the 2017 Annual Meeting & Exposition of the Association of the United States Army, which is one of the biggest international military exhibitions in the Americas. It will run through Wednesday, local time.

“South Korea has been an importer of US weapons, so it means a lot for us to display our own weapon system at the heart of the US,” said Executive Vice Presidnet Lee Jae-moo, who is in charge of the company’s overseas business for military equipment.   

K-9 howitzer is moved to a military exhibition held in Washington Monday. Yonhap

Touted as high-quality artillery for its long range and high rate of firing, the K-9 platform was exported to Turkey, Poland and India. Finland and Estonia have signed deals to purchase it. Hanhwa hopes to tap into the US and Latin American markets.

Also showcased during the event was the Hybrid Biho, a 30 mm complex gun and air defense system designed to target low-flying aircraft and helicopters. The weapon system was displayed after undergoing a field test for a procurement project by the US Army, Hanhwa Group said.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)