State arms agency approves possession of K9A1 howitzer by manufacturer for 1st time

▲ This file photo, provided by the Army, shows troops firing shells from K9A1 self-propelled howitzers on April 22, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

DAPA-howitzer

State arms agency approves possession of K9A1 howitzer by manufacturer for 1st time

SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- The state arms procurement agency on Tuesday gave the green light to Hanwha Aerospace Co.'s request to possess a K9A1 self-propelled howitzer that it developed, marking the first time that a local defense firm was permitted to possess arms products it manufactured.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) made the approval in a bid to boost efficiency in developing and promoting homegrown arms products.

Previously, defense firms had to lease equipment from the military to use in overseas exhibitions, as well as research and development (R&D), leading to a shortage in military assets and the financial burden of rental fee costs.

But under the Defense Acquisition Program Act revised last year, defense firms are now allowed to possess arms products that they develop and manufacture.

DAPA said the measures have enhanced efficiency in weapons development and reduced the cost previously spent on renting equipment, allowing defense firms to reinvest them for R&D.

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