[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]Hanwha is embarking on the localization of core technology for laser weapons capable of countering drones and other small unmanned aerial vehicles.
On the 31st, Hanwha secured a contract from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) for the 'Laser Oscillator Prototype Production' project, aiming to complete development within four years. The contract is valued at a total of 24.3 billion KRW.
The laser oscillator is a device that generates laser beams, enabling the laser to strike targets. It is a key technology that determines the performance of laser weapons. Laser weapons are attracting attention as a means to defend against attacks by drones and other small unmanned aerial vehicles, as they can accurately shoot down fast-moving targets in the sky at the speed of light.
The laser oscillator being developed this time will incorporate advanced light source technology. It operates by combining multiple laser beams to increase the laser output.
Hanwha has focused on research into high-power laser light sources and laser-based sensor systems for the past 20 years. In 2019, it became the first domestic company to win a project led by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to develop a laser anti-aircraft weapon system.
A Hanwha official stated, "We are the only domestic company participating in the development of a laser anti-aircraft weapon prototype led by the Agency for Defense Development," adding, "Through continuous research and development of high-power laser technology, we will contribute to the future weaponization of military power and establish mid- to long-term growth engines."
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