Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop air-launched weapons

Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il, right, and Korea Aerospace Industries CEO Cha Jae-byoung pose after signing a memorandum of understanding to co-develop air-launched weapons systems in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 9. Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace

Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) are joining forces to develop advanced airborne weapons, including a new long-range air-to-air missile, for use on Korean-built aircraft.

Hanwha Aerospace announced Tuesday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with KAI on Monday during the World Defense Show (WDS), taking place through Thursday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Under the agreement, the two companies will integrate air-launched weapon systems on KAI’s twin-engine fighter, the KF-21 Boramae, and the light combat aircraft FA-50.

“We are confident that by combining our experience in executing a wide range of missile development programs — from air-to-air and air-to-ground to surface-to-air — with KAI’s expertise in integrated fighter systems, we can achieve our goal of developing fully domestic air-launched weapons,” Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il said.

“Building on this foundation, we aim to help defend South Korea’s airspace, earn the trust of customers worldwide and support the sustainable growth of K-defense.”

The two companies also agreed to pursue joint international marketing efforts to boost overseas sales of both the aircraft and their associated weapons packages.

“As overseas customers increasingly recognize the reliability of Korean defense technology, we are seeing demand not only for aircraft but also for fully integrated, Korean-made operational packages,” KAI CEO Cha Jae-byoung said.

“The domestic defense industry will continue to work together to expand K-defense exports through coordinated marketing and industrial cooperation.”

The companies also plan to jointly support government-led programs by the Agency for Defense Development aimed at developing air-launched weapons, with the goal of securing top-tier technical capabilities in advanced precision-guided munitions.

Hanwha Aerospace has been conducting advanced concept and technology maturation studies for the agency on next-generation missile systems, including solid fuel ducted ramjet propulsion for long-range air-to-air and high-speed strike missiles, as well as supersonic air-to-surface and anti-ship missiles.

At this year’s WDS, the company unveiled its laser precision-guided weapon (L-PGW) for the first time. The L-PGW is a new weapon system that uses artificial intelligence to locate and classify targets, transmitting data via satellite datalink to deploy and launch a self-destructing drone when engaging.

Meanwhile, Hanwha Aerospace posted record earnings last year for the third consecutive year, underscoring the growth momentum of its defense and aerospace businesses.

The company reported revenue of about 26.61 trillion won ($18.24 billion) and operating profit of 3.03 trillion won, up 137 percent and 75 percent, respectively, from 2024.

Last year, Hanwha Aerospace secured key overseas contracts, including deals to supply K9 self-propelled howitzers to Norway and the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) to Estonia. The company inked an additional MRLS supply deal with Norway earlier this month.