Transforming Aerial Warfare: Hanwha Systems Unveils Advanced AESA Radar for KF-21 Jets

Hanwha Systems has successfully launched the first mass-produced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for South Korea’s next-generation KF-21 combat aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey to develop advanced fighter avionics locally.

The inauguration ceremony, coordinated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and hosted by Hanwha Systems, took place on August 5 at the company’s Yongin R&D Center.

The event drew more than 50 attendees, including senior officials from the Republic of Korea Air Force, DAPA, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and various other esteemed governmental and defense entities.

Following an initial production agreement established last year, Hanwha Systems finalized the full contract earlier this year. Through this initiative, the company will deliver 40 AESA radar units scheduled for integration into the KF-21 from 2025 to 2028.

Often regarded as the “eyes” of a combat aircraft, AESA radars enable simultaneous multi-mission operations, allowing for the tracking of aerial, land, and sea targets. Compared to conventional mechanically scanned radars, AESA technology supports faster target acquisition, broader coverage, and enhanced survivability by addressing multiple threats at the same time.

Hanwha Systems began the radar’s development in 2016 and unveiled its first prototype in 2020—only four years after development commenced—highlighting its domestic radar expertise to the global defense community. With the onset of mass production, the radar is now equipped for integration into the KF-21.

The launch took place at a newly constructed antenna testing facility within the Yongin R&D Center. Completed in late 2024 specifically for AESA radar advancements, this facility includes a Near-Field Chamber capable of evaluating up to four airborne radar systems simultaneously. It is tailored for assessing key performance parameters and signal characteristics of AESA antenna arrays, each consisting of approximately 1000 transmit/receive (T/R) modules.

“Hanwha Systems is the only enterprise in Korea to have accomplished the development, mass production, and exportation of AESA radar systems,” stated Hyuk Park, Head of Hanwha Systems’ Defense Electronics (DE) Division. “We are extending our international impact with flexible radar solutions designed for a wide range of platforms—from light combat aircraft to unmanned aerial systems.”

In May 2024, Hanwha Systems signed its inaugural export deal for AESA radar antennas with Leonardo, a leading European defense and aerospace company. This contract includes radar systems for light attack aircraft, paving the way for Korea’s radar export initiatives.