Home > National > Defense

DAPA permits manufacturer ownership of K9A1 howitzer, sets precedent

Published: 24 Feb. 2026, 14:44

Troops are seen firing shells from K9A1 self-propelled howitzers on April 22, 2025. [KOREAN ARMY]

The state arms procurement agency on Tuesday gave the green light to Hanwha Aerospace's request to maintain possession of a K9A1 self-propelled howitzer that it developed, marking the first time that a local defense firm was permitted to retain ownership of a completed weapons system 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.

Yonhap