HYUNDAI WIA is taking the next step as a global leader in large-caliber artillery manufacturing.

HYUNDAI WIA announced its strategic direction to become a next-generation artillery manufacturer at the ‘Korea Defense Component Material & Equipment Fair 2025’ held at the Changwon Exhibition Convention Center, Changwon—si, Gyeongsangnam-do on July 10th. HYUNDAI WIA also showcased its mobility-based artillery systems at the exhibition held from the 9th to 11th. The “Defense Component Material & Equipment Fair” is a defense industry exhibition co-hosted by Changwon City and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

HYUNDAI WIA hosted an independent event on the 9th at the same center, the ‘Global Large-Caliber Artillery Manufacturer Showcase’, where the company outlined its vision to expand its lineup of advanced mobility-based artillery systems based on its global top-tier artillery manufacturing and R&D capabilities. Attendees present included representatives from the Korean government, Defense Acquisition Program Administration, ROK Army Logistics Command, ROK Naval Logistics Command, the Ambassador of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and military attachés from the embassies of Vietnam and Malaysia.




In particular, HYUNDAI WIA plans to actively meet growing global demands for large-caliber artillery by drawing on its extensive expertise and precision machining capabilities amassed by manufacturing K2 main battle tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer tank armaments. Notably, HYUNDAI WIA is the only large-caliber artillery manufacturer in South Korea, and has produced approximately 20,000 gun barrels since beginning mass production of the 4.2-inch mortar in 1977. The total length of all gun barrels produced thus far amounts to 150km - the equivalent of the physical distance between Changwon city hall and Daejeon city hall. HYUNDAI WIA showcased actual tank armament barrels – the 120mm caliber mounted on K2 Black Panthers and the 155mm caliber mounted on K9 Thunders – at the exhibition, and announced ongoing development of ultra long-range gun barrels and next generation tank armament technologies.

HYUNDAI WIA exhibited mobility-based artillery systems as well, prominently featuring the ‘Light-weight 105mm self-propelled howitzer’. This particular artillery system boasts a maximum range of 18 km, and the design was intended to be mounted on a lightweight tactical vehicle capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h by reducing more than half of the original weight. Air transport can be supported via large helicopters. Additionally, HYUNDAI WIA showcased the ‘vehicle-mounted 81mm Mortar’, ‘Remote Control Weapon System(RCWS)’, and ‘Anti Drone System(ADS)’ mounted on KMTV.

HYUNDAI WIA is looking to expand global sales for advanced mobility-based artillery systems. “Based on our top-tier artillery manufacturing capabilities and technology accumulated during our long history, HYUNDAI WIA has successfully developed mobility-based light-weight artillery systems mounted on tactical vehicles. We will continue to expand our lineup of mobility-based artillery systems capable of rapid deployment in any battlefield, thereby strengthening national defense capabilities and endeavor to add to K-defense exports”, said Ho Young Lee, Vice President of HYUNDAI WIA for the Defense Business Sub-Division.