What will Hanwha Systems and EDGE build in the UAE?

The two companies will establish an integrated air defense network covering long- and medium-range capabilities and counter-drone defenses. Hanwha Systems said the partnership is meant to expand its role beyond supplying individual weapons systems.

When did Hanwha Systems and EDGE sign the term sheet for the air defense project?

The CEOs signed the term sheet during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday local time. The document sets the direction for the project and the review items for each stage.

How will Hanwha Systems expand its defense business through the UAE partnership?

Hanwha Systems plans to pursue a local joint venture, discuss its operation and local production, and link ground weapons systems such as the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher into a multilayered air defense portfolio. The company also said the UAE could become a strategic base for expansion into the Middle East and other overseas markets.

Hanwha, EDGE to build UAE's integrated air defense network

Listen

Summary

Hanwha Systems will team up with the United Arab Emirates’ state-run defense conglomerate EDGE to build an integrated air defense network in Abu Dhabi. The project will cover long- and medium-range capabilities and counter-drone defenses. The companies signed a term sheet on Tuesday and plan to pursue a local joint venture, local production, and broader defense cooperation.

Key Facts

The term sheet outlines the planned introduction of weapons systems for the integrated air defense network and review agendas at each stage of the project.
The two sides said they will determine project details in line with the direction of defense cooperation between South Korea and the UAE.
Hanwha Systems said it wants to expand the UAE into a strategic base for Middle East and other overseas markets.
Hanwha Group has previously supplied components for the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system and exported radar and launcher-related parts to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

By Nam Hyun-woo

Published Sep 17, 2026 11:45 am KST

Hanwha Systems CEO Yang Ki-won, left, and EDGE Group CEO Hamad Al Marar sign a term sheet for cooperation on establishing an integrated air defense network for the United Arab Emirates during a signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Tuesday (local time). Courtesy of Hanwha Systems

Hanwha Systems will team up with the United Arab Emirates’ state-run defense conglomerate EDGE to establish an integrated air defense network, covering long- and medium-range capabilities as well as counter-drone defenses.

According to Hanwha Systems, Thursday, the CEOs of the two companies signed a term sheet for the air defense network project during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (local time).

The term sheet outlines the direction of the planned introduction of weapons systems for the integrated air defense network and review agendas at each stage of the project.

The two sides plan to determine details of the project in line with the direction of defense cooperation between the two countries. Through government approvals and consultations, the two companies will pursue establishing a local joint venture and discuss its operation and local production.

Through the partnership, Hanwha Systems plans to expand its role from supplying individual weapons systems to participating in the integrated air defense network, by linking ground weapons systems, including the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher, to expand its multilayered air defense portfolio covering short-, medium- long-range and drone threats.

Hanwha Systems said it plans to make the UAE a strategic base for expanding into the Middle East and other overseas markets, by combining the UAE’s industrial basis and Hanwha Systems’ capabilities.

Hanwha Group has built up its track record in the Middle East by supplying components for the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system. The group has exported Hanwha Systems’ multifunction radar and Hanwha Aerospace’s launchers, canisters and missile components to the UAE in 2022, Saudi Arabia in 2024 and Iraq in 2025.

“The term sheet marks a turning point for Hanwha and EDGE to move into a strategic partnership that shares technologies and industrial capabilities for integrated air defense networks,” Hanwha Systems CEO Yang Ki-won said.

“We will gradually expand technological cooperation and localization to help strengthen the UAE’s defense industrial base.”

Explore More