Hanwha Aerospace is automating production in Changwon and expanding its unmanned vehicle program as it builds a Romanian facility and considers a German plant, broadening its manufacturing footprint.
On Sept. 17, 2026, the company set a 2029 target for technology that would allow the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher and next-generation infantry fighting vehicle to operate optionally without crews. It also plans six unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platforms by 2030, including a 30-metric-ton-class H-UGV.
Hanwha plans to produce its Arion-SMET multipurpose UGV in Changwon with about 40 supplier companies. The company puts the vehicle's localization rate at more than 98%, a figure specific to Arion-SMET.
Changwon's industrial complex was designated by South Korea in 1974 to develop machinery manufacturing. Hanwha's facilities there cover aircraft engines, combat vehicles, launch systems and firepower equipment. During a Friday, Oct. 23, tour, company representatives described roughly seven in 10 manufacturing processes across Changwon as automated or unmanned, The Korea Herald reported. Hwang Dong-gyu, head of Plant 2, said robots handle 70% to 80% of welding there. He also said 3D scanning cut inspection of welded vehicle bodies to one hour from 1.5 days.
In Romania, Hanwha broke ground on its H-ACE Europe facility in Petrești on Feb. 12, 2026. The site is intended to produce K9 howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. Hanwha is targeting localization of up to 80% through Romanian industry participation and says it works with more than 30 Romanian partners. The company estimates a possible infantry fighting vehicle program expansion could create up to 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The German project remains at an earlier stage. Hanwha described a vision for a manufacturing facility in eastern Germany at its 2025 Berlin Industry Day. In a Sept. 28 interview with Die Presse, German subsidiary head Thorsten Kutz said talks with several German states were ongoing and the location and products were undecided. He cited supply-chain resilience and a preference for production in Germany or elsewhere in Europe. No date for a German site decision was given; Hanwha's published milestones are the 2029 technology target and the six-platform lineup by 2030.
