Hanwha Aerospace has completed the construction of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Geelong, Australia, marking the first overseas production base established by a Korean defense company

Dignitaries around the world mark the completion of H-ACE in Geelong, Australia

Hanwha Aerospace announced today that it has completed the construction of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Australia. This marks the first overseas production base established by a Korean defense company. 

“This facility represents Hanwha’s commitment to Geelong, Victoria, and Australia, demonstrating that the company is focused on the future of programs in this region, including howitzers, vehicles, and other technological advancements beyond our current initiatives,” said Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “H-ACE is a significant part of our global defense supply chain, further strengthening the relationship between Australia and Korea. We will continue to collaborate with Australian companies and work towards integrating more of them into our global supply networks.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence The Hon. Richard Marles MP, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Jong-gun Seok, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, and Head of Land Capability Major General Richard Vagg participated in the formal opening ceremony of H-ACE, along with other dignitaries from around the world. This facility is expected to strengthen the relationship between Australia and South Korea, bringing high-technology vehicle manufacturing back to the Geelong region.

H-ACE is set to initiate the production of the AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and the AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle. The goal is to supply 30 and 15 units of each, respectively, to the Australian Army. Moreover, the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which has secured a supply contract for 129 units, will be manufactured at H-ACE, following the successful delivery of prototype products after 2026. 

The H-ACE facility, built on a site of approximately 150,000 square meters, includes a total of 11 facilities including the main building, production building, assembly plant, driving test site, and shooting range. Located an hour’s drive from Melbourne and 10 minutes from Avalon Airport, the area’s accessibility provides logistical and hiring advantages.

Hanwha Aerospace

Founded in 1977, Hanwha Aerospace has become a leading company in the aerospace industry in South Korea. Today, Hanwha Aerospace’s products serve not only aerospace but also the defense and marine sectors. With an unwavering focus on customer-centric quality management, technological innovation, and product competitiveness reinforced by advanced technologies, Hanwha Aerospace is surging forward as a global leader in the burgeoning space and aerospace business as well as in the land, sea, and air defense industries.