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Son Jae-il

CEO of Hanwha Aerospace · Hanwha Aerospace

Transformed Hanwha Aerospace into South Korea's defense export champion, with K9 howitzer sales to Poland, Australia, and Egypt driving record international orders.

The company manufactures the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer — the world's best-selling artillery system — along with the Redback infantry fighting vehicle, multiple launch rocket systems, and aircraft engines. Hanwha Aerospace's international order book has exploded since 2022. Poland signed a framework agreement worth approximately $5.8 billion for K9 howitzers and K239 rocket launchers — the largest Korean defense export deal in history. Australia selected the Redback IFV for its LAND 400 Phase 3 program. Egypt, India, and multiple NATO countries are additional customers or prospects. The company also acquired Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (renamed Hanwha Ocean), adding naval shipbuilding capabilities. The company's aeroengine division manufactures components for GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney programs, providing exposure to the commercial aerospace aftermarket cycle. Key stock drivers include Korean and international defense budgets, new export contract wins, K9/Redback production ramp rates, Hanwha Ocean integration and naval order intake, aeroengine aftermarket demand, and the broader trajectory of European and Asian defense spending.

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