ADEX 2021: Hanwha deepens collaboration with Israeli firms

Hanwha Systems and Elta Systems have signed an agreement to explore opportunities to export AESA radars. In recent years, the two companies have collaborated on Hanwha's project to develop an AESA radar (pictured) for the KF-21 Boramae future fighter. (Defense Acquisition Program Administration)

South Korean firm Hanwha Systems has signed agreements with Israeli companies Elbit Systems and Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), to pursue opportunities for technology co-operation and trade.

Hanwha Systems said on 21 October that the agreements – signed at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) – are focused on capabilities such as active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, urban air mobility (UAM), and avionics.

Hanwha Systems' agreement with Elta Systems will look to collaborate on exporting AESA radars. Such efforts will integrate Hanwha Systems' radar antenna and Elta's radar signal processor, a press release stated.

The co-operation will also look to leverage the companies' joint work on developing an AESA radar for South Korea's KF-21 Boramae future fighter aircraft, which is being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

This radar has been under development since 2016 and was unveiled by Hanwha Systems in August 2020. The development of the system is also supported by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development.

Hanwha Systems' agreement with Elbit Systems will look to collaborate on technologies for UAM systems and avionics for both defence and commercial domains. Hanwha said the accord will also look to exploit export opportunities.