Hanwha Aerospace

OPINION:

Hanwha

Hanwha Aerospace is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services. These include land combat vehicles such as the world-renowned K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Redback infantry fighting vehicle, various other weapons systems, munitions, aircraft engine parts, and technology products and services, all providing defense solutions against threats on land, air, and sea. As South Korea’s largest aerospace and defense company, Hanwha Aerospace is engaged in the research, development, and manufacture of advanced technology systems and is spearheading the country’s space projects.

Following the start of the Ukraine War, Hanwha Aerospace has emerged as a reliable supplier of high-quality defense assets. The company responds quickly and effectively to the needs of its allies, with Poland, Estonia, Finland, and Norway (NATO’s Eastern Flank) being major partners and purchasers of the company’s K9 self-propelled howitzers. Over 1,800 K9 vehicles, including localized variants, are in service in eight countries, and Australia and Poland plan to produce and operate hundreds more K9s in the coming years, with plans for local production and technology transfer.

Hanwha also actively contributes to NATO’s efforts to stabilize the global arms supply chain. In November 2023, the company announced a $130 million deal to supply the UK with artillery bi-modular charge systems. These supplies meet the NATO’s 155mm shell standards, allowing Hanwha to provide much-needed ammunition to NATO members.

Another area in which Hanwha Aerospace has made significant contributions is the aerospace sector. Hanwha has produced over 10,000 engines over the past 40 years, supplying engines to all types of aircraft operating in South Korea through licensed production. Hanwha Aerospace has formed strong partnerships with global aviation engine manufacturers such as GE, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney, leveraging our extensive knowledge of aircraft engine technology.

Hanwha Aerospace is constantly pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. Our notable projects include the development of engines for the KF-21 B3 and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Our goal is to upgrade these engines for future use in next-generation fighter jets in collaboration with global engine manufacturers.

U.S.-KOR Alliance – Indo Pacific Strategy

The longstanding alliance between the United States and South Korea is an important source of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership has grown in importance as a result of recent geopolitical conflicts and increased demand for conventional defense assets.

U.S. Forces Korea is critical to the Korean Peninsula’s peace and security. The core equipment used by the U.S. Forces Korea is not only compatible with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces’ weapon systems, but also maintained by Korean defense contractors.

Christopher J. Lowman, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Logistics, recently announced that the US military is transitioning to a Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) to more efficiently perform overseas maintenance that was previously handled by the U.S. military or companies using allies’ military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Because of its geographic advantage and technological capabilities, the Republic of Korea is well-positioned to align with the United States’ RSF policy. Efficient maintenance of U.S. military equipment in the Indo-Pacific region, using Korean defense sector’s experience and technology, can benefit both countries.

Hanwha’s commitment to its allies is demonstrated by its decision to do significant design, prototyping, and manufacturing work locally with partners. The recent foreign comparative test with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps for Arion-SMET, a multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), demonstrates this commitment. Hanwha has also formed a strategic partnership with Anduril Industries and Forterra to pursue the U.S. Army’s Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment II program.

Hanwha’s commitment to the US-Korea alliance goes beyond business interests. It demonstrates a strong commitment to improving regional stability, promoting security, and accelerating technological advancement. The Hanwha Group has invested billions of dollars and created nearly 5,000 American jobs in a variety of industries, including energy and defense, cementing its reputation as a dependable U.S. partner dedicated to strengthening its defense capabilities while contributing to the U.S. economy.