South Korean defense minister Shin Won-shik and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, visited a Hanwha Defense production facility in Geelong, Victoria, on Tuesday, underscoring their commitment to expanding defense cooperation between the two nations. The facility, slated for completion later this year, will produce ROK-designed K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (AS-9), ammunition resupply vehicles (AS-10), and Redback armored vehicles, all tailored to Australian specifications. During the visit, Shin emphasized the strategic benefits of such cooperation, including enhanced interoperability of weapon systems and strengthened military capabilities for both countries.

The visit occurred alongside the Australia-ROK 2+2 foreign and defense ministerial meetings scheduled