The Ministry of National Defense announces the completion of the first K9 howitzer for the Romanian Land Forces, which was made by the South Koreans from Hanwha.

The Ministry of National Defense (MApN) announced that the first K9 self-propelled howitzer, named 'Thunder', has been completed at the factory in South Korea and is ready for delivery to the Romanian Army. The contract signed with Hanwha Aerospace provides for the supply of 54 K9 howitzers, of which the first 18 will be fully produced in South Korea, while the rest will be produced in Romania, at the unit that will be built in Dâmbovița County. The project also includes 36 K10 refueling vehicles and 18,000 shells, with deliveries scheduled in three batches over five years. The K9 system, weighing 47 tons, can hit targets located over 40 kilometers away and is equipped with a 30 mm gun and anti-tank guided missile launchers.

Additionally, MApN has sent the Prime Minister the analysis documents for the SAFE program, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Romanian Army in the context of a tense regional geopolitical situation. The SAFE program aims to accelerate European industrial and technological capabilities, reducing dependence on imports of military technology.