“The first K9 Tunetul self-propelled howitzer has been completed at the South Korean factory and is ready for delivery to the Romanian army,” the statement said. An accompanying image shows the vehicle in a tri-colour sand, brown and black camouflage scheme, equipped with smoke grenade launchers intended to enhance the protection of both the platform and its crew.
Despite the production milestone, Romanian artillery units are expected to wait several months before receiving the first system. The contract signed in summer 2024 schedules deliveries between 2027 and 2029, although more recent information suggests a possible acceleration of the timeline.
The agreement covers 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers in a modified Romanian configuration derived from the A1 variant, alongside 36 K10 tracked ammunition resupply vehicles built on the same chassis. Valued at approximately $1 billion, the contract also includes additional tracked and wheeled support vehicles as well as 18,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition.
The first 18 howitzers will be manufactured in Changwon, while the remaining units will be assembled at Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s facility in Petrești. Romania’s defence industry will also be responsible for providing operational support for the vehicles and other equipment acquired under the contract.
