Hanwha Systems Partners with Northrop Grumman on Air Defense Technology

Signing of MOU for Technology Cooperation on Integrated Air Defense Systems

Hanwha Systems has partnered with Northrop Grumman, a leading U.S. defense company, to secure technology for integrated air defense systems.

Sungkyun Park (left), Head of DE Business Unit at Hanwha Systems, and Ken Todoroff, Vice President of Command, Control, and Weapons Integration at Northrop Grumman, recently exchanged an MOU for technology cooperation on integrated air defense systems. Hanwha Systems

On June 23, Hanwha Systems announced, "We have exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technology cooperation on integrated air defense systems with Northrop Grumman," adding, "By combining each company's radar and integrated air defense command and control technologies, we plan to further strengthen our air defense system capabilities."

Northrop Grumman, a leading U.S. air defense solutions provider, possesses Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) technology, which integrates various sensors and weapons to counter aerial and missile threats. The IBCS connects diverse radars and interceptor systems across land, sea, and air into a single network, enabling faster and more accurate interception of airborne threats. It allows data sharing regardless of weapon system type and enables rapid response by selecting the optimal interception method, maximizing operational efficiency. Deployment is currently underway in the United States and Europe, with further expansion under consideration.

Hanwha Systems possesses command and control technology that enables real-time integration between upper-level command and control systems and weapon systems, including the C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence)-based Korea Air and Missile Defense Operations Center (KAMDOC), the Master Control and Reporting Center (MCRC), and the Air Defense C2A system. Building on its experience in developing top-tier command and engagement control systems, Hanwha Systems is now taking on the challenge of developing next-generation air defense systems.

In addition, Hanwha Systems is recognized as a leading provider of multi-layered air defense solutions covering short, medium, and long ranges. The company is responsible for the development and supply of multi-function radars (MFR) for the following systems: the "final shield of the Seoul metropolitan area," the Long-range Artillery Interception System (LAMD); the medium-range surface-to-air missile system M-SAM-II (Cheongung-II); the long-range surface-to-air missile system L-SAM; and the second-phase L-SAM-II (high-altitude interception missile).

Ken Todoroff, Vice President of Command, Control, and Weapons Integration at Northrop Grumman, stated, "We expect this partnership to set a new milestone in defense cooperation between South Korea and the United States."