Northrop Grumman and South Korea’s Hanwha Partner on New AReS Missile

Translation result [Herald Economy=Reporter Ko Eun-gyeol] Hanwha Aerospace has partnered with global defense contractor Northrop Grumman to co-develop a new long-range missile system.

Hanwha Aerospace said on the 22nd that on the 21st (local time) it signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Northrop Grumman at the Sea-Air-Space 2026 exhibition in National Harbor, Maryland. The agreement covers cooperation on developing the first-stage solid-fuel motor for the AReS (Advanced Reactive Strike) missile system.

AReS, which Northrop Grumman is developing, is a ground-launched long-range strike system that will require advanced propulsion to enable rapid maneuvering and quick launches.

Hanwha Aerospace will participate from the early stages of first-stage rocket motor development. The company said it will leverage its global production capacity and advanced manufacturing technologies to accelerate development and move toward mass production. The partners aim to demonstrate the jointly developed system in 2027.

A Hanwha Aerospace official said, “This cooperation will further enhance our technical and manufacturing capabilities to enter the U.S. defense market.” A Northrop Grumman spokesperson added, “Together we will deliver innovative, cost‑effective solutions.”