US Army Selects South Korean K9 Howitzer Over Israel's Elbit Sigma in $7 Billion Tender

The US Army has chosen the South Korean K9 howitzer from Hanwha Defense for its new tactical artillery system, awarding an initial contract worth $263 million for development and testing. The full contract is expected to reach $7 billion. This new 155mm howitzer, mounted on a mobile off-road truck, will replace the US Army's towed artillery, offering a range of up to 60 kilometers compared to the current 32 kilometers.

Elbit Systems' Sigma howitzer, based on Israel's Ro'em artillery system, competed in the tender but ultimately lost. Despite Israel being one of the few foreign suppliers to the Pentagon, this will be the first time the US Department of Defense purchases weapons from South Korea. The K9 has also been acquired by countries including Poland, Australia, Finland, Estonia, India, and Egypt.

Elbit Systems had invested heavily in the project, establishing a production facility for the Ro'em in Charleston, South Carolina, and forming a US-based consortium with Oshkosh and Anduril Technologies. The Ro'em, operational in the Israeli Defense Forces for a year, features a three-person crew and a firing rate of 6-8 rounds per minute, with rapid deployment capabilities.

Other competitors in the tender included Rheinmetall (Germany), Leonardo DRS (USA), and BAE Systems (UK). Elbit Systems stated it respects the US Army's decision and will review feedback once received, while continuing to focus on its existing programs and production. The company expressed pride in its proven operational technology and commitment to supporting its customers with advanced defense solutions.