John Kelly, president and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA)
Q AWhat are the key marketing campaigns in the U.S.? There are a number of key campaigns in the HDUSA region. The first campaign is related to the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. HDUSA is part of a consortium, led by Oshkosh Defense, and is in the process of delivering design concepts to help inform the U.S. Army of options and trade space for their new IFV. The consortium will leverage the proven capability of the Redback for the OMFV design.
The next campaign is around U.S. Army artillery requirements and involves our globally proven K9 SPH and K10 ammunition carrier. Both of these vehicles offer advances in technology that the U.S. Army requires, especially in extended range, rate of fire and munition resupply.
Q What are the key challenges?
A The key challenge for any overseas business in the U.S. defense market is fair access and fair evaluation against domestic competition. HDUSA understands this and has recently opened its engineering center in Troy, Michigan, and will Americanize the development and manufacturing process of relevant products creating U.S. defense capability and U.S. jobs.
Q What is the key strength of Hanwha’s products?
A Hanwha Defense’s portfolio competes very well with existing U.S. players. Our IFVs and SPHs all exceed the capabilities of in-service U.S. systems.