“Transforming Tomorrow: Hanwha and Northrop Grumman Join Forces for Cutting-Edge Air Defense Innovations”

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, JUNE 23, 2025 – Hanwha Systems (CEO Jae-il Son) announced today that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leading U.S. defense entity Northrop Grumman earlier this year to collaborate on advancements related to Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) systems.

According to the agreement, the two firms will investigate critical technologies relevant to integrated aerial defense command and control and pursue new business opportunities within Korea.

Recent conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions in the Middle East, have highlighted the increasing danger posed by sophisticated aerial assets including fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and UAVs. As a result, nations across the globe are enhancing their defense strategies with highly integrated and versatile air defense systems.

Northrop Grumman, a global leader in air and missile defense solutions, is the developer of the IBCS (Integrated Battle Command System), an innovative command and control platform designed to unify numerous sensors and interceptors across different domains—land, sea, and air. Currently being deployed by the U.S. Army and evaluated for broader implementation in Europe and other regions, IBCS enables seamless information sharing and efficient threat engagement across a variety of weapon systems.

By integrating various radar and interceptor frameworks into a singular connected command structure, IBCS allows for swifter, more accurate reactions to evolving aerial threats. It improves operational efficiency by choosing the most effective interceptor, regardless of its origin or type.

Through this collaboration, Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman aim to merge their individual strengths in radar and battle management technologies to create more advanced and robust air defense solutions.

Hanwha Systems features cutting-edge command and control technologies that allow for real-time integration between high-level command frameworks and weapon systems. These include the Korea Air and Missile Defense Operations Center (KAMDOC), the Master Control and Reporting Center (MCRC), and the Air Defense Command Control & Alert (ADC2A) system—all essential components of Korea’s indigenous air and missile defense command infrastructure. Expanding upon its successful history in developing such sophisticated battle management and engagement control systems, Hanwha Systems is now pursuing the ambition of next-generation air defense innovations.

* KAMDOC: Crafted in partnership with the Agency for Defense Development from 2019 to 2022, this operations center enhances Korea’s multilayered missile defense framework with centralized command capabilities.

* MCRC: A crucial air sovereignty asset that ensures continuous monitoring and control of all aircraft operating within Korean airspace, including the coordination of allied fighters.

* Air Defense C2A: A state-of-the-art command and control solution that facilitates synchronized air defense operations by integrating battlefield sensors, threat recognition systems, and engagement platforms into a unified network.

As a key provider of multilayered air defense solutions, Hanwha Systems is responsible for the development and deployment of multifunction radars (MFRs) across an extensive array of systems, including LAMD, M-SAM, and L-SAM.

* LAMD (Low Altitude Missile Defense), Korea’s “final line of defense” against long-range artillery threats;

* M-SAM Block-II (Cheongung-II), a medium-range surface-to-air missile system;

* L-SAM and L-SAM Block-II, Korea’s long-range aerial defense and high-altitude interception systems.

Through these undertakings, Hanwha Systems continues to drive innovation in integrated air and missile defense, strengthening national security and enhancing its global competitiveness.

Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager of command & control and weapons integration at Northrop Grumman, stated, “This MOU with Hanwha signifies our strong desire to collaborate with Korean industry in exploring opportunities to deliver innovative and cost-effective air and missile defense solutions that enhance Korean homeland security.”

Sungkyun Park, vice president and business director of the Defense Electronics Division, remarked,

“Hanwha is undergoing a significant transformation to position itself as a top-tier global defense enterprise. Our partnership exemplifies our goal to lead the development of next-generation weapon systems and strengthen our presence in the international arena.”