Hanwha opens new Australian head office

Hanwha Defense Australia opened its new headquarters in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday, where up to 150 staff will work, including its leadership team, and finance, human resources and engineering staff.

“This new facility brings together our diverse workforce, with room to grow,” said Richard Cho, Hanwha Defense Australia CEO in a statement.

Hanwha is South Korea’s biggest defence contractor and has had an Australian presence since 2019. It was awarded the $1 billion LAND 8116 Phase 1 contract in December last year.

Along with Rheinmetall, it is also among the remaining two contenders bidding for the Land 400 Phase 2 program to deliver 450 fighting vehicles.

Hanwha will build 30 Self-Propelled Howitzers, 15 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, and weapon-locating radars at Avalon Airport’s industrial precinct, at a 32,000 square metre site currently under construction.

Yesterday the Victorian government announced $10 million in grants to assist SMEs in joining the supply chain for LAND 8116.

“Establishing a headquarters in Melbourne is another milestone in Victoria’s partnership with Hanwha and we look forward to the company creating more skilled local jobs,” said state industry support minister, Ben Carroll.

Picture: Hanwha Defense Australia

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