SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. unit of South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace Co. has won a contract to deliver K9 self-propelled howitzer prototypes for the U.S. Army's artillery modernization program, sources said.

Hanwha Defense USA was selected to provide prototypes based on the K9 platform for the Army's Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, which aims to develop a highly mobile 155 mm artillery system for the American military.

"The agreement provides for the accelerated delivery of six prototype MTC systems, with an option for an additional 12," the Army said in a statement Monday (local time).

"Soldiers will use these platforms in a series of operational experiments to assess performance, reliability, and supportability in realistic combat conditions," it added.

The deal could be worth up to US$233 million, the U.S. Army said.

Hanwha Defense USA is considering producing the K9 prototypes at an integration and test facility in Opelika, Alabama, to localize production in the United States, according to industry insiders.

The contract marks another step in Hanwha's efforts to expand the global footprint of the K9, which is already in service or under contract in a number of countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Romania, Norway and Finland.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

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