Hyundai Wia Unveils 'Anti-Drone System'... "Accelerating Defense Industry Product Development"

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Hyundai Wia is showcasing an advanced drone defense system at a ground weapon specialized defense industry exhibition.

Hyundai Wia announced on the 21st that it will present advanced land weapon systems such as an anti-drone system, a small remote weapon system, and a vehicle-mounted 81mm mortar at the ‘Defense Exhibition of Korea 2022 (DX KOREA 2022)’ held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. DX KOREA 2022, which runs until the 25th, is the largest ground weapon exhibition in Asia. Hyundai Wia participated in the exhibition by setting up a group pavilion together with Kia and Hyundai Rotem.

Hyundai Wia unveiled its anti-drone system for the first time at this exhibition. The product features a ‘Soft Kill’ function that disrupts drone signals to prevent flight, and adds a ‘Hard Kill’ function that enables direct interception. Hyundai Wia developed the anti-drone system to effectively respond to drones, which have recently been frequently used as threatening weapons.

Hyundai Wia developed the anti-drone system to quickly detect and track drones using radar and long-range optical surveillance devices. Additionally, by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) software technology, it can precisely identify and track drones. The drone strike device uses 40mm airburst ammunition, significantly increasing interception probability while also enabling countermeasures against swarm drones.

A Hyundai Wia official said, “Because tracking is done with radar and AI technology, interception is always possible regardless of the drone’s frequency,” and added, “We are continuously researching to track more precisely and even predict the flight path of target drones.”

Hyundai Wia also unveiled a small remote weapon system suitable for remote operation at the company and platoon level. The small remote weapon system is equipped with machine guns of 7.62mm or less, which are squad support weapons. It can also be equipped with jammers to neutralize drones. Notably, it is the first time in Korea that a wireless control device is used to remotely operate the equipment.

Hyundai Wia also exhibited a scaled model of a vehicle-mounted 81mm mortar. The vehicle-mounted 81mm mortar is a model that enhances mobility and firing capability compared to existing mortars and can be mounted on vehicles. It enables rapid firing through an automatic cooling function, and when the vehicle cannot be used, it can be detached and operated like a conventional mortar. Hyundai Wia plans to develop this mortar by 2024. Additionally, Hyundai Wia showcased a 60mm portable mortar. The portable mortar weighs about 7.5kg, making it easy to carry, and its strength lies in being able to be fired immediately by hand without a mount.

Through the DX KOREA exhibition, Hyundai Wia intends to take a more proactive approach to defense industry product development. A Hyundai Wia official said, “We are showcasing advanced weapon systems in step with the changing paradigm of the defense industry,” and added, “We will devote more effort to technology development to contribute to our country’s defense capabilities as well as to drive exports.”