As global tensions rise and demand for conventional weaponry surges, a South Korean defense manufacturer traditionally known for less advanced armaments is gaining attention for its rapid production of 155mm howitzers.

Hanwha Aerospace, once regarded as a relic of the defense industry, is now producing its K9 self-propelled howitzer at a pace that is up to three times faster than its Western counterparts, offering a striking example of how global military dynamics are shifting.

According to reports, Hanwha can deliver its K9 howitzers in about six months at a cost of $3.5 million each, a stark contrast to the estimated 30 months taken by French supplier Nexter to deliver its Caesar self-propelled howitzer.

The boost in production is part of a wider move to reinvigorate manufacturing for older arms systems, which has seen firms like BAE Systems in the UK and KNDS Deutschland in Germany also ramping up their efforts.

The CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, Son Jae-il, stressed the company’s focus on what he called “middleweights” – self-propelled guns, armored vehicles, and tanks – which have garnered global competitiveness.

This sector has been less attended to by giants such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, as pointed out by Yoon Sukjoon, a senior fellow at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs.

This resurgence is not isolated to South Korea, as global military powers like the United States have also increased their production, with plans to scale up the production of 155mm shells from 10,000 to 100,000 rounds a month by 2025.

These actions are a response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine, which has seen major militaries deplete their stocks to support Kyiv.

While South Korea prohibits the export of weapons to active combat zones, Hanwha has still found substantial business elsewhere, with Poland and Romania being notable customers.

The war in Ukraine has undeniably spurred a significant increase in Hanwha’s arms exports, with annual revenue jumping 11 times to $1.1 billion since the conflict began. The Changwon factory, according to workers, has expanded production three times since Russia’s invasion, highlighting the urgency felt across the industry to meet the increasing demands.

Despite the rapid influx of Western military aid to Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines remain massively outgunned by Russian forces.

Reports from troops in the Kharkiv region reveal a stark discrepancy in artillery firepower, with Russian offensives heavily outweighing Ukrainian responses.

As the US resumes military aid to Ukraine, there is a race against time to provide sufficient support and balance the scales, as warned by think tanks in Washington DC.

Meanwhile, in other military developments, Ukraine has requested additional training for F-16 pilots from the US and its allies, reflecting the growing complexity of modern warfare. However, challenges remain in accommodating the need for trained personnel, highlighting broader issues of preparation and readiness in contemporary conflicts.

While Ukraine grapples with training new troops, the country appears to be handling its new combat personnel more effectively than Russia, according to war analysts. Yet, the situation remains critical, as Ukraine reportedly faces difficulties in equipping and training troops, some of whom are said to be learning basic skills on the front lines.

Relevant articles:
– A South Korean weapons company once seen as a dinosaur is now churning out howitzers twice as fast as its Western competitors, Yahoo
– Western weapons are getting to Ukraine’s front lines. Soldiers say it’s not enough yet to tip the balance., Business Insider Africa
– Military & Defense, Business Insider
– trim.5FA070AF-FCDE-45C4-858C-A31BE53DA76E, AOL.com