How Hanwha Aerospace is Strengthening Drone Defense with Strategic MOU in Saudi Arabia

Hanwha Aerospace Executive Vice President Kim Dong-hyun (left) and Frankenburg Technologies CEO Kusti Salm signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for joint development and technology cooperation on counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 9th. Photo courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace

Hanwha Aerospace has launched a strategic partnership with an Estonian defense firm to bolster its drone defense capabilities. This move is aimed at securing a competitive edge and expanding exports in the rapidly growing global C-UAS market.

On February 9th (local time), Hanwha Aerospace announced the signing of an MOU with Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian missile specialist, for C-UAS technology cooperation and joint development at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The agreement, inked at the Middle East’s largest defense exhibition, underscores the significance of this collaboration. The two companies will jointly develop C-UAS solutions to enhance the survivability of next-generation ground combat systems. These solutions are expected to be initially integrated into Hanwha Aerospace’s next-generation command armored vehicle currently in development.

Under this partnership, Hanwha Aerospace will focus on system integration for weapon systems and platforms, while Frankenburg Technologies will spearhead the development of core interception technologies, including guided missiles, launchers, and fire control software.

Defense industry analysts view this collaboration as a proactive response to the emerging threat of unmanned aerial systems, a key trend in the global defense market. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the proliferation of drone-based asymmetric warfare has led to projections of rapid growth in the C-UAS market.

By Dong-ho Kim, Military Affairs Correspondent (hoya0222@fnnews.com)