[KADEX On-site] "Enemy Surveillance Despite Heavy Snow"... What Are the Capabilities of the Newly Revealed 0.25m-Class Radar Satellite?

Hanwha Systems' 0.25m-Class Radar Satellite
Capable of Ground Imaging Regardless of Weather Conditions
AESA Radar for Aircraft and Drones Also Unveiled

On the 2nd (local time), three types of Hanwha Systems' small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites displayed at the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) held at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam. [Image source=Hanwha Systems]

Hanwha Systems showcased cutting-edge small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and radars capable of ground observation using radar waves at the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) held at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam, from the 2nd to the 6th. Using these advanced satellites and radars enables 24-hour ground surveillance even in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow.

One of the Earth observation satellites unveiled by Hanwha Systems on the 2nd, the small SAR satellite, looks significantly different from conventional satellites. Typical satellites have separate main bodies, solar panels, and payload systems, but the SAR satellite is integrated into a single block form. The small SAR satellites exhibited include three types with resolutions of 1m, 0.5m, and 0.25m, with the highest resolution 0.25m model being revealed domestically for the first time at this KADEX.

At KADEX, videos captured by this small SAR satellite from around the world were also unveiled. Various geographic images demonstrating the technology of the small SAR satellite were shown, including ▲New York Manhattan's 'Central Park' ▲Yankee Stadium, home of the Major League Baseball New York Yankees ▲Dubai's artificial island 'Palm Jumeirah' ▲Paris 'Olympic Stadium' where the 2024 Summer Olympics were held ▲the 'Gulf of Aden' in Africa, the site of the Korean military's first overseas hostage rescue operation ▲and the domestic 'Mokpo Port,' all first revealed in April.

On the 2nd, a model of an unmanned vehicle by Hanwha Aerospace was exhibited at the 'Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition' held at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Alongside this, Hanwha Systems also presented a multi-purpose surveillance Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The AESA radars for aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) significantly reduce weight and volume compared to conventional radars and are optimized for surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue by detecting moving targets on land and sea. Their small size and light weight make them applicable to various small aircraft, including manned and unmanned fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

Additionally, a 'Drone Counter Multi-layer Composite Defense System' was exhibited, designed to defend airspace from infiltration by various suicide drones that have caused significant civilian casualties in the recent Ukraine war. It features enhanced mobility by mounting components on vehicles for rapid defense of urban and critical areas.

A Hanwha Systems official explained, "SAR satellites using radar waves can perform ground imaging and surveillance regardless of how severe the weather conditions are, and even if enemy forces cannot detect heat signatures," adding, "Development will continue not only in reconnaissance via satellites but also in integrating command systems with ground forces and air defense networks."