Hanwha Systems secures a KRW 131.5 billion contract to develop a next-gen multifunction radar for South Korea’s Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD) “Iron Dome,” enhancing resilience against evolving missile threat.
In a landmark Hanwha Systems missile defence deal, Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd. has been awarded a KRW 131.5 billion (approximately USD 95 million) contract by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The agreement tasks Hanwha Systems with developing a prototype multifunction radar (MFR) for the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD) system—widely referred to as Korea’s own “Iron Dome.” This milestone underscores Hanwha Systems’ leading role in next-generation air-defence technologies.
Deal Overview
Under the terms of this deal, Hanwha Systems will design, build, and test the LAMD MFR over the next three years, with a scheduled delivery date in November 2028. The radar is expected to meet stringent performance requirements, including:
- Simultaneous Tracking: Handle dozens of incoming low-altitude threats in congested environments.
- High Resolution: Distinguish between decoys, rockets, and cruise missiles at ranges up to 40 km.
- Rapid Fire Control: Support fire-and-forget interceptors with sub-second target updates.
By winning this Hanwha Systems missile defence deal, the company cements its position as a top-tier supplier in the global air-defense market.
Technical Innovation
The core of the contract revolves around an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) design that leverages:
- Digital Beamforming: Enables flexible beam shaping for wide-area surveillance and precision tracking.
- Software-Defined Architecture: Facilitates in-theatre upgrades to address new threat profiles without hardware overhauls.
- Distributed Aperture: Improves redundancy and reduces the risk of single-point failures during high-intensity engagements.
These innovations will allow the LAMD radar to outperform legacy systems in both detection fidelity and electronic counter-countermeasures, reinforcing the strategic value of this Hanwha Systems missile defence deal.
Strategic Significance
South Korea’s layered air-defence network comprises Patriot PAC-3 batteries, Aegis-equipped destroyers, and indigenous PAC-3 KM interceptors. The addition of an LAMD layer equipped with Hanwha’s MFR will:
- Fill Coverage Gaps: Close low-altitude blind spots in urban defense perimeters.
- Enhance Flexibility: Operate independently or in conjunction with allied systems for joint interoperability.
- Deterrence Posture: Send a clear signal to adversaries that even short-range rocket salvos will face an advanced, automated response.
This deal thereby not only strengthens Seoul’s defensive shield but also elevates Hanwha Systems’ reputation as a strategic partner for future international collaborations.
Economic and Market Impact
Beyond its military value, the contract is projected to generate:
- 500+ High-Skill Jobs: Sustaining R&D engineers, radar specialists, and system integrators across Hanwha’s domestic facilities.
- Export Opportunities: Position the LAMD radar for potential sales to allied nations seeking cost-effective short-range defence solutions.
- Technology Spillover: Enable civilian spin-offs in air traffic control and maritime surveillance sectors.
The ripple effects of this Hanwha Systems missile defence deal will thus extend into both the national economy and the broader defense-export ecosystem.
Future Prospects
As development progresses toward the 2028 delivery milestone, Hanwha Systems will likely:
- Conduct Live-Fire Trials: Validate performance against representative threat profiles under realistic conditions.
- Pursue Modular Certifications: Ensure compatibility with various missile interceptors and command-and-control networks.
- Explore Upgrades: Integrate artificial intelligence for adaptive target prioritization and autonomous system health monitoring.
These initiatives will lay the groundwork for Hanwha Systems to capture additional contracts in the rapidly expanding global missile-defence arena.
Conclusion
The Hanwha Systems missile defence deal marks a significant leap forward in South Korea’s indigenous air-defence capabilities and reinforces Hanwha Systems’ status as a leading innovator in radar technology. With successful execution, this project will not only safeguard critical infrastructure at home but also open new horizons for defense collaboration worldwide see more.