Hanwha Systems Co., a prominent South Korean aerospace and defense contractor, has been selected as the preferred developer by the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses to create advanced radars optimized for unmanned planes escorting the KF-21 fighter jets. The company announced this significant development on Tuesday.
The project involves the development of a new model of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which will be mounted on the KF-21 fighter jets, their unmanned escort planes, and other light combat aircraft. Hanwha aims to complete this development by the end of 2026.
The KF-21, South Korea’s first supersonic fighter jet developed with indigenous technology, is set to enter mass production this year. Hanwha Systems is poised to produce AESA radars specifically tailored for these fighter jets.
Known as the “eyes of aircraft,” the AESA radar is integral for detecting and tracking enemy aircraft and controlling guided missiles. The upcoming radar model promises to be more compact and lightweight compared to conventional AESA systems, thanks to innovative air cooling technology that eliminates the need for traditional cooling equipment. This advancement will significantly reduce the radar’s weight and volume.
Additionally, the new radar will feature a slimmer design with the brick-shaped transmit receive block (TRB), a key component, compressed into a thinner shape. This will mark South Korea’s first AESA radar based on air cooling technology.
Hanwha Systems stands out as the only South Korean company to have developed an AESA radar optimized for the KF-21, a project led by the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. Park Hyuk, head of Hanwha Systems’ surveillance and reconnaissance division, emphasized the company’s ambitions: “We will bolster the lineup of our AESA radars used for various aircraft and expand exports to Europe and the Asia-Pacific, as well as the Middle East and Central and South America.”
This development underscores Hanwha Systems’ commitment to advancing radar technology and expanding its market reach globally, positioning South Korea as a significant player in the aerospace and defense industry.
