Unlocking K-Defense: How Hanwha and KAI Plan to Revolutionize Aircraft Armaments in 2023

Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have agreed to collaborate on developing domestically produced long-range air-to-air missiles and other aerospace armaments for Korean-made aircraft. The two companies will also pursue joint marketing efforts to boost exports of aircraft and aerospace armaments, including the KF-21 fighter jet and FA-50 light combat aircraft.

Hanwha Aerospace announced on February 9 that it signed an MOU with KAI for aerospace armament business cooperation at the 3rd WDS in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The signing ceremony, held at the Hanwha booth, was attended by key officials from both companies, including Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il and KAI CEO Cha Jae-byeong.

The agreement outlines plans for collaboration on integrating aerospace armaments into the KF-21 and FA-50 aircraft platforms, as well as joint marketing efforts to promote exports of aircraft and aerospace armaments.

Both companies aim to execute the aerospace armament development project, led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), to achieve global top-tier technological capabilities. Hanwha Aerospace has previously conducted pioneering research for ADD on advanced systems, including long-range air-to-air, supersonic air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles based on ducted solid ramjet engine technology.

KAI CEO Cha Jae-byeong noted, “As the reliability of South Korean defense technology increases, international customers are now seeking complete Korean-made packages for both aircraft platforms and operational systems.” He added, “Domestic defense companies will join forces through joint marketing to expand South Korean defense exports.”

Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “By combining our expertise in developing various missile systems with KAI’s fighter aircraft integration capabilities, we can achieve our goal of developing domestic aerospace armaments. This collaboration will enhance our ability to defend South Korean airspace and build trust with global customers, contributing to the sustainable growth of our defense industry.”

By Lee Seong-eun, Defense Correspondent
selee@chosunbiz.com