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Samsung Techwin manufactured weapons systems from 1983-2015, including the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, autonomous sentry guns (SGR-A1), and various artillery systems. However, Samsung sold this division to Hanwha Group in 2015. While Samsung still supplies technology components (chips, ruggedized devices) to the defense industry, it no longer directly manufactures weapons systems.
Samsung is also a full time weapons manufacturer.
Samsung's Secret Past as a Major Weapons Manufacturer
When you think of Samsung, you probably picture smartphones, TVs, and refrigerators. But for over three decades, the Korean tech giant was also cranking out self-propelled howitzers, autonomous machine gun robots, and amphibious assault vehicles. Samsung Techwin, the company's defense division, was a major player in the global weapons industry from 1983 until 2015.
Artillery Dominance
Samsung Techwin's crown jewel was the K9 Thunder, a 155mm self-propelled howitzer that became one of the most successful artillery systems in the world. As of 2022, the K9 series commanded a staggering 52% share of the global self-propelled howitzer market since 2000. Countries like Poland, Turkey, India, and South Korea still deploy these Samsung-built war machines on their front lines.
The K9 wasn't just popular—it was a technical marvel. Capable of firing three rounds in 15 seconds and hitting targets over 40 kilometers away, it represented South Korea's emergence as a serious defense exporter. Samsung also produced the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle, fire direction centers, and various other armored systems.
Robot Sentries With Machine Guns
Perhaps Samsung's most dystopian creation was the SGR-A1, an autonomous sentry gun developed with Korea University. Deployed along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, this $200,000 system used thermal imaging to detect intruders and could track targets with a laser rangefinder. While technically capable of autonomous firing, it required human authorization—a small comfort given you could be staring down a Samsung-branded machine gun.
The SGR-A1 combined surveillance technology with lethal force, showcasing Samsung's ability to integrate consumer electronics expertise into military applications. It was essentially a smart home device that happened to shoot people.
Why Samsung Quit the Weapons Business
In December 2014, Samsung Electronics announced it was selling Samsung Techwin to the Hanwha Group, a Korean conglomerate already deep in defense manufacturing. The deal closed in June 2015, and Samsung Techwin became Hanwha Techwin (later Hanwha Aerospace). The K9 Thunder and other weapons systems continue production under Hanwha's banner.
Why exit such a profitable sector? Samsung wanted to streamline its corporate structure and focus on consumer electronics and semiconductors. The defense division, while successful, was a distraction from the company's core mission of dominating global tech markets. Hanwha, meanwhile, got instant access to world-class weapons technology and export relationships.
Samsung's Lingering Defense Footprint
While Samsung no longer builds tanks, it hasn't completely abandoned the military. The company supplies critical semiconductors and ruggedized mobile devices to defense contractors worldwide. Samsung's chips power radar systems, communication networks, and electronic warfare equipment. Its Tactical Edition smartphones and tablets serve U.S. Special Operations forces with secure, battlefield-ready communications.
So while Samsung isn't welding artillery barrels anymore, its technology still plays a vital role in modern warfare—just further up the supply chain.