Seoul: Hanwha Aerospace Co., a major South Korean defense firm, has signed an agreement to export its homegrown K9 self-propelled howitzers to Vietnam, marking the first arms sale to the Southeast Asian country, industry sources said Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, under the government-to-government deal worth $250 million concluded last month, Hanwha Aerospace will supply 20 K9 howitzers to Vietnam. This transaction represents the first export of K9 artillery to a Southeast Asian nation, expanding its market presence beyond countries such as Poland, Finland, Estonia, Egypt, India, and Australia.
Historically, South Korea has not sold weapons to Vietnam, having previously only donated decommissioned patrol ships. The deal signifies a new phase in the defense relationship between the two nations.
The agreement comes as South Korea and Vietnam aim to enhance cooperation in economic and other sectors. This development follows Vietnamese President To Lam's recent state visit to Seoul for summit discussions with President Lee Jae Myung.