South Korea’s Hanwha targets US-made 155mm ammunition components

South Korea’s defense conglomerate Hanwha is planning a $1 billion investment to establish a new manufacturing facility in the United States dedicated to producing Modular Charge Systems for 155mm howitzer ammunition. The plant aims to introduce Hanwha’s fully automated, vertically integrated production processes currently used in South Korea, with construction expected to start in 2026 and full production by 2030. The facility will manufacture key energetic materials such as nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, and nitroguanidine to produce triple-base propellants loaded into combustible cartridge modules for the US Army’s artillery systems, including those used in 39-caliber and 52-caliber howitzers. Hanwha’s US plant is projected to create around 200 jobs and generate approximately $500 million in annual revenue at full capacity. The company has already begun hiring US engineers and plans to submit environmental permit applications soon. Beyond modular charges, Hanwha is considering expanding the facility to produce Base Ble