Hanwha Aerospace has announced the appointment of Mr. Ben Hudson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to head the company's defense operations in Europe and the UK.
Currently serving as CEO of Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), Mr. Hudson will now manage Hanwha’s ongoing regional operations while focusing on the company's future growth prospects in the European and UK markets.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Hudson stated, “I am honoured to join our European and UK defense leadership team at such a pivotal moment for both our company and our European partners. Hanwha’s long-term vision is driven by partnership with our customers to create enduring sovereign capabilities that address current and future defense and security challenges.”
Before joining Hanwha, Mr. Hudson held senior executive roles with BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, and General Dynamics, gaining extensive experience over fifteen years in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. He is a mechanical engineer with an MBA from London Business School, served as an Officer in the Australian Army with operational service in East Timor, and holds both British and Australian citizenship.
Mr. Hudson’s appointment aligns with Hanwha’s strategic acceleration in Europe, enhancing its status as a trusted defense partner providing localized, interoperable, and rapid capability solutions to NATO members and European allies.
Hanwha’s ongoing projects in countries like Poland, Romania, Norway, Finland, and Estonia reflect its dedication to building a robust industrial presence in Europe. The company aims to support local economies, transfer technologies, and invest in sustainable defense ecosystems.
Mr. Michael Coulter, President and CEO of Hanwha Global Defense, commented, “As Hanwha looks to further globalise our business, we are very pleased to appoint Ben—who brings deep experience across European defense markets—to this key role leading our business in Europe and the UK. Europe is a vital component of Hanwha’s long-term, multi-domestic strategy.”
He added, “Hanwha is committed to collaborating closely with European partners on national priorities, and this appointment marks the next phase of our journey, grounded in trust, long-term cooperation, and shared security objectives.”
Hanwha’s Footprints in Europe
Hanwha’s European presence spans over 40 years, starting with the establishment of Hanwha Europe GmbH in Eschborn, near Frankfurt. The company has since expanded its regional footprint through significant investments and partnerships in countries such as Poland, Romania, Norway, and the UK.
Over the last decade, Hanwha has delivered five 37,000-ton Tide Class Replenishment at Sea (RAS) ships—four to the United Kingdom and one to Norway—demonstrating significant naval shipbuilding capabilities and a record of reliable delivery.
In land systems, Hanwha has secured contracts for over 800 K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to several European countries, including Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Romania. As part of its strategic cooperation with Poland, Hanwha is supplying 290 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch Systems to enhance the country’s long-range firepower.
Additionally, Hanwha is a major supplier of artillery modular charges to NATO customers in Europe and has established deep industrial partnerships across the continent to support the export of European-manufactured components and technologies in support of Korean and international defense programs.
