Ben Hudson to Lead Hanwha’s UK and European Defence Expansion

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Korean defence manufacturer Hanwha Aerospace has appointed Ben Hudson as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Europe and the United Kingdom (U.K.), in a move signalling the firm’s deepening commitment to Western defence partnerships and regional security resilience.

Hudson, a dual British-Australian national, is transitioning from his current role as CEO of Hanwha Defence Australia. He brings extensive experience from previous leadership positions at global defence giants BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, and General Dynamics, alongside military service in the Australian Army. Hudson also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School, underscoring both operational and strategic expertise.

“I am honoured to join our European and U.K. leadership team at such a pivotal moment,” Hudson stated. “Hanwha’s vision is centred on building sovereign capabilities to address today’s and tomorrow’s security challenges.” His appointment is part of Hanwha’s broader “multi-domestic” strategy, an approach that prioritises collaboration with local defence sectors and sovereign capability-building across NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) member states.

Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Global Defence, welcomed the move, saying: “Ben’s deep knowledge of European defence markets makes him the ideal choice. This appointment marks the next phase of our multi-domestic strategy focused on trust, collaboration, and shared security goals.”

Hanwha Aerospace has been expanding its footprint across Europe, with ongoing supply contracts that include over 800 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 290 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers for countries such as Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Romania. In addition to land-based systems, the company has delivered naval support vessels to the U.K. and Norway and plays a key role in providing NATO with modular artillery charges, bolstering interoperability within the alliance.

The strategic appointment reinforces Hanwha’s ambitions to serve as a long-term defence partner within Europe and the UK. At a time of increasing geopolitical instability, Hudson’s leadership is expected to ensure Hanwha continues to deliver rapid, locally tailored solutions that strengthen allied deterrence and industrial capability across the region.