Image: Hanwha Defense ©
The US Army has awarded Hanwha Defense USA a contract to build prototype wheeled howitzers under its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme, according to a recent Army statement. The deal supports the service’s long-range fires modernisation and continuous transformation efforts.
Contract Details
The Army granted the firm-fixed-price agreement competitively under Other Transaction Authority. It covers up to 18 wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer Systems over roughly four years. The initial award totals $100,302,961, with a cumulative face value reaching $262,903,274.
Hanwha will deliver six prototype systems on an accelerated timeline. The agreement includes an option for 12 additional units. Soldiers will then test these platforms through operational experiments assessing performance, reliability and supportability under realistic combat conditions.
Competitive Selection
The award followed extensive market research and industry engagement. The Army held multiple vendor demonstration events across the United States and overseas. These events confirmed several vendors could offer mature, mobile tactical cannon platforms, ensuring robust competition throughout the selection process.
Strategic Context
Results from the Soldier experiments will shape senior leaders’ fielding decisions. This experiment-driven approach reflects the Army’s push to deliver lethal capabilities quickly while incorporating direct Soldier feedback.
If fielded, the MTC system would replace ageing M777 towed artillery in select formations. The Army expects significant gains in lethality, mobility, reliability and survivability. These improvements matter increasingly on a battlefield where adversaries can detect and target forces with growing ease.
The programme forms part of a broader Army effort to build more mobile, adaptable fires formations. Officials say this shift aligns with the demands of large-scale combat operations against peer adversaries.
Learn more on The U.S. Army website
