Hanwha Unveils Cutting-Edge Defense Technologies to Saudi National Guard
Prominent representatives from the Ministry of National Guard (MNG) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visited a ROK Army firing range on November 5 to witness a joint firepower exhibition of major South Korean weapon systems.
H.R.H. Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of MNG, spearheaded the delegation at the invitation of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense and Hanwha Aerospace, Korea’s leading defense manufacturer, as part of efforts to strengthen the bilateral defense alliance.
A range of Hanwha’s artillery and combat vehicles showcased their verified combat capabilities during the live-fire demonstration, which was observed by MNG officials along with South Korean representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and Hanwha Aerospace.
During the exercise, a fleet of 18 K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzers efficiently discharged over 90 rounds into a designated target zone, while K30W Chunho (Sky Tiger) anti-aircraft gun wheeled armored vehicles and K30 Biho (Flying Tiger) self-propelled anti-aircraft systems unleashed heavy machine guns at aerial targets. The K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle exhibited its remarkable amphibious maneuverability on the battlefield.
The occasion also featured the presentation of newly developing combat platforms tailored for the needs of the KSA. Among these are the 155mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer equipped with an automated unmanned turret; the Laser-Based Anti-Aircraft Weapon; the TIGON wheeled armored vehicle outfitted with either anti-tank guided missiles or a 120mm mortar; and the Hybrid Short-Range Air Defense (H-SHORAD) wheeled system armed with a 30mm gun unmanned turret and a surface-to-air missile system.
“Today, we had an excellent opportunity to showcase our cutting-edge defense technologies and products to the MNG delegation,” stated Vice President Oh Kyeahwan, Head of Hanwha Aerospace Middle East & Africa. “Hanwha is wholeheartedly dedicated to delivering top-notch defense solutions across all domains of air, sea, and land to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under a robust bilateral partnership.”
Following the joint firepower exhibition, the KSA delegation is set to evaluate Hanwha’s advanced air defense systems, including the laser-guided anti-aircraft weapon, later this week.
The prior day, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan convened with H.R.H. Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral collaboration in economic and security matters. During their private discussion in Seoul, Kim emphasized Hanwha’s steadfast commitment to supporting KSA’s Vision 2030 initiative and defense modernization efforts. Both parties also concurred to undertake joint actions to tackle security challenges in the Middle East.
