South Korea produces weapons much faster and cheaper than the US or Europe

The South Korean arms manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace, which has traditionally specialised in less advanced weapons, has increased production of 155mm howitzers, producing them faster than the West.

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Hanwha Aerospace can build its K9 self-propelled howitzer in about six months and for $3.5 million. This is estimated to be two to three times faster than its Western competitors. In comparison, French supplier Nexter took about 30 months to deliver its Caesar self-propelled howitzer. However, in early January, they reported that the waiting time had been cut in half.

This is in line with the approximate production times for other Western companies that are resuming howitzer production, although other factors such as the supply of components may cost them additional time.

Various Western companies are stepping up production, with the US using M777 howitzers made by BAE Systems. In January, it announced that it plans to resume production of the artillery platform for new orders from the US Army. German manufacturer KNDS Deutschland will also resume production of its PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. In June, it said it would deliver the first howitzers by mid-2025.

Bloomberg reported that Hanwha's advantage lies in its simplified production process. And major Western defence contractors turned to more advanced weapons years ago. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il told Bloomberg: "We are focusing on medium-weight vehicles, self-propelled guns, armoured vehicles, tanks. In this, we are already competitive globally."

South Korean law prohibits defence contractors from exporting weapons to active war zones, so Hanwha cannot supply weapons to Ukraine in any way.

Source: Bloomberg