Unveiling the Future: Hanwha Defense Presents Cutting-Edge Unmanned Solutions at IDEX 2021
Hanwha Defense, a prominent defense enterprise in South Korea, is showcasing advanced unmanned defense technologies during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), which commenced on February 21 and will extend for five days.
At the biennial arms expo in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the commercial division of Hanwha Group introduced the model of the Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle, or MPUGV, for the first time in an international venue.
The MPUGV’s development was finalized in 2019 as part of a national initiative aimed at creating unmanned robotics to assist infantry units across various combat scenarios.
The 4×4 vehicle operates on electricity, achieving a peak speed of 30 km/h on sealed roads. In combat zones, this 1.5-ton vehicle can be operated remotely or autonomously to execute a variety of missions, including surveillance, logistics support, casualty evacuation, and combat engagement.
This vehicle has a payload capability of 200 kg and can perform tasks for 14 hours on a solitary charge. When utilizing a range extender, the operational duration could extend to as much as 72 hours.
The MPUGV is the first of its type in the nation to successfully complete field tests and assessments. During the Korean Army’s trial operations of the robotic combat vehicle from 2019 to 2020, it effectively showcased intelligent mission capabilities, including follow-me operation, self-navigation, waypoint routing, obstacle evasion, casualty relocation with twin-beds module, and communication relay utilizing a drone.
This vehicle also incorporates a sophisticated remote-controlled weapon station that can automatically lock onto targets using acoustic sensors to identify the source of gunfire amidst the chaos of combat.
An upgraded version of the MPUGV is slated to launch as soon as the third quarter of this year. The fresh iteration is a 6×6 vehicle designed with enhanced specifications regarding payload capacity, maximum speeds, operational range, and survivability among other features.
The 6×6 MPUGV is a versatile platform providing multiple functionalities to address various mission needs, such as load carriage, chemical and mine detection, dual-weapon remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS), and extensive reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition operations.
The lightweight RCWS developed by Hanwha Defense also made its global premiere at the UAE defense trade exhibition.
The 130kg-class variant is designed for integration with tanks, armored vehicles, and light tactical transporters and can be outfitted with either the K6 or K4 machine gun.
Hanwha Defense stands as the sole company in South Korea to engineer and manufacture its own RCWS and has been awarded contracts to construct these for high-speed patrol crafts and the amphibious assault vehicles utilized by the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps respectively.
Among other products from Hanwha Defense attracting attention in the global defense arena are the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer; the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle; the REDBACK Infantry Fighting Vehicle; the TIGON 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle; and the Hybrid BIHO short-range air-defense system.
Variants of the 155mm/52-caliber K9 SPH are in operation in six nations—Turkey, Poland, Finland, India, Norway, and Estonia—while the South Korean armed forces fully deployed these advanced artillery systems in 2020, with plans underway to enhance the artillery’s automation and firing capabilities.
In September 2020, Hanwha Defense Australia was chosen with the K9 as the preferred provider for the Australian Army’s LAND 8116 self-propelled howitzer acquisition initiative. As part of this project, the Australian Army plans to acquire 30 K9 “Huntsman” howitzers along with K10 Armored Ammunition Resupply Vehicles.
REDBACK stands as one of the final two contenders for the Commonwealth of Australia’s high-profile LAND 400 Phase 3 initiative, aimed at introducing 450 next-generation tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
TIGON is a novel type of armored wheeled vehicle primarily developed for overseas markets. This vehicle features independent suspension and can reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Weighing 21 tons, it can accommodate up to 11 personnel. The South Korean Army is utilizing this armored personnel carrier in a pilot program to assess its operational effectiveness.
The Hybrid BIHO gun and missile air defense system is recognized as one of the most efficient short-range anti-aircraft systems, capable of intercepting low-altitude aerial incursions, including unmanned aerial vehicles, airplanes, and helicopters.
Equipped with an advanced surveillance radar, this air-defense artillery can engage targets using both the 30mm twin machine gun and surface-to-air missiles.
“Hanwha Defense offers a range of defense solutions tailored to meet the needs of the Middle Eastern and African markets,” stated An Byung-chul, head of Hanwha Defense International. “I am confident that we can provide optimal defense solutions for clients in the region, further enhancing our global footprint.”
