The UK branch of Lockheed Martin Corporation signed a cooperation agreement to join the “Thunder Team” led by Korea’s Hanwha Defense.
The team, which includes Pearson Engineering, Horstman Defense Systems, Leonardo UK and Soucy Group’s Soucy Defense, will build an enhanced variant of the K9 Self-propelled howitzer for the Royal Artillery, as part of the Mobile Firepower Platform (MFP) for the UK Department of Defense (MOD).
Team Thunder plans to manufacture the K9A2 locally, creating hundreds of new skilled jobs across the UK supply chain. The enhanced version will be an upgrade of the existing K9A1 155mm/52mm self-propelled howitzer, as it features improved damage, maneuverability and survivability.
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“We are delighted to be partnering with Lockheed Martin UK as part of Team Thunder. Globally, Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest aeronautical, space and defense company. As part of its UK operations, the company’s Ampthill site in Bedfordshire is home to the country’s most advanced digital manufacturing facility in the defense sector,” said Executive Vice President Kim. Dae-young, Director of Hanwha Defense’s Overseas Business Center said. “I am certain that Team Thunder will be the mainstay of Hanwha Defense’s efforts towards the MFP program.”
Lee Fellows, Vice President and CEO of Lockheed Martin said: “With over 80 years of operations in the UK, Lockheed Martin has a proud track record in supporting the UK economy. UK Ampthill Enterprise. “Together with the expertise of other Team Thunder partners, our advanced systems, exceptional engineering, and digitally supported manufacturing facilities will provide the state-of-the-art capabilities needed to manufacture in water, put into service and support K9A2.”
Unlike wheeled vehicles, the K9 tracking howitzer can work effectively in difficult terrain, including terrain, desert, snow and other challenging environments.
Recognized for its excellent maneuverability and survivability, the proven K9 system has been in service in seven countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Norway and Estonia. Australia and Egypt have also entered into agreements to purchase K9 howitzers, expanding the membership of the K9 User Community to nine countries.
