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By Jeong Ye-rin, The Guru \u2014 Hanwha Aerospace outlined an independent development plan for key weapons systems, from propulsion units for long\u2011range air\u2011to\u2011air missiles to precision\u2011guided rounds for the K9 self\u2011propelled howitzer. The company said it aims to fully domesticize advanced defense technologies that currently depend on foreign suppliers, boosting the global export competitiveness of its K\u2011Defense packages.<\/p>\n
On April 29, Hanwha Aerospace held “Hanwha Tech Academy 2026” at the Hanwha Building in Jung\u2011gu, Seoul, where it unveiled a roadmap for advanced defense technologies, including a long\u2011range air\u2011to\u2011air missile intended for the domestically developed KF\u201121 fighter. The event highlighted precision\u2011strike solutions designed to shape future battlefields, building on the company\u2019s work with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to localize aerial munitions.<\/p>\n
Cho Bok\u2011gi, head of Systems Integration Team 1 at the PGM Research Institute, said Hanwha Aerospace is developing the country\u2019s first ducted ramjet system for air\u2011launched munitions under a government program. He added that the company, together with Hanwha Systems, will pursue nine government projects, including a long\u2011range air\u2011to\u2011air system. Hanwha plans to complete domestic development by 2033 and begin equipping the KF\u201121 after 2036.<\/p>\n
The ducted ramjet\u2014dubbed the “Korean Meteor”\u2014extends a weapon\u2019s range by using ambient air drawn in during flight as the oxidizer. Eliminating a separate oxidizer tank allows sustained supersonic flight from beyond enemy engagement ranges, and the design is intended to operate reliably in extreme conditions, from \u221255\u00b0C up to temperatures of several thousand degrees.<\/p>\n
Since 2005, Hanwha Aerospace has researched core propulsion components such as nozzle\u2011less boosters and gas generators, building an indigenous infrastructure. The company is the only domestic manufacturer of the oxidizer and operates a single Daejeon facility that handles production, filling and non\u2011destructive testing. Notably, it achieved better than 99% operational reliability in the port\u2011cover opening mechanism that deploys the air intake at supersonic speeds, underscoring technical maturity.<\/p>\n
Cho Jeong\u2011tae, head of Propulsion Munitions Team 1 at the PGM Research Institute, said a ducted ramjet combines the low\u2011maintenance traits of a solid motor with the extended range of a liquid system. He added that Hanwha\u2019s 40 years of solid\u2011propellant development will serve as a platform to secure a technological edge in the global defense market.<\/p>\n
Work to convert 155mm K9 howitzer rounds into precision\u2011guided munitions is also progressing. A ballistic\u2011correction fuze and precision\u2011guided projectile that combine GPS and an inertial navigation system (INS) can hold impact dispersion to roughly 50 meters at ranges up to 50 km, enabling precision strikes against critical enemy assets.<\/p>\n
To counter the electronic\u2011warfare and jamming threats highlighted in the Ukraine conflict, the system incorporates proprietary anti\u2011jamming technology. The company also improved operational efficiency with a modular charge system that adjusts range by combining standardized charge units.<\/p>\n
Kim Jeong\u2011hoon, head of Propulsion Munitions Team 2 at the PGM Research Institute, said the design and production of all components were completed using purely domestic technology, allowing rapid response to military requirements. He noted the solution can be applied to conventional ammunition simply by swapping the fuze, and that performance will be validated soon through live\u2011fire testing.<\/p>\n
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