Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) appointed seasoned aerospace veteran Michael Coulter as President and CEO, simultaneously naming former chief executive Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer and President of the land systems business.
This pivotal executive move strengthens Hanwha’s commitment to expanding its presence across the U.S. defense and shipbuilding sectors.
As the new CEO, Coulter immediately began leading HDUSA’s efforts to strengthen vital partnerships, initiate key business initiatives, and drive significant growth throughout the U.S. defense industry.
He continues serving on the board of South Korea-based parent company Hanwha Aerospace, aligning the subsidiary’s operations with the global strategic vision and driving business transformation alongside international leadership.
Coulter brings extensive experience from over three decades in national security and defense. The U.S. Navy Reserve officer previously served as president and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Global Defense, where he developed a global strategy focused on sovereign capability establishment and international partnership strengthening.
His government experience includes senior leadership roles at the Department of Defense (DoD), the State Department, and the U.S. Senate.
Mike Smith, assuming the COO role, now heads the company’s land systems business as President. In this capacity, Smith directs expansion into adjacent markets and enhances overall business performance.
The U.S. Navy veteran possesses more than two decades of leadership experience across the defense and aerospace industries, including service on various joint ventures and boards.
The Washington, D.C.-based HDUSA, established in 2017, focuses on delivering advanced defense and shipbuilding platforms directly to the U.S. armed forces and key industry partners.
These strategic appointments position Hanwha Defense USA to aggressively pursue major programs, including future ground combat and naval shipbuilding opportunities, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge technology and robust capability to American warfighters.
