The partnership aims to link South Korean radar technology with European air defence systems, combining Hanwha’s MFR with Diehl’s system capabilities. “Aiming to link Korean radar technology with Europe’s leading air defense solutions and diversify export markets,” Hanwha Systems stated.
Diehl Defence is a key supplier of modern ground-based air defence solutions, including the IRIS-T SLM, a medium-range, surface-to-air system that can intercept fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and drones. The IRIS-T SLM gained international attention after being deployed in Ukraine in late 2022, where it achieved a success rate of nearly 100 per cent.
IRIS-T SLM is a core asset within the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a NATO-led programme led by Germany with over 20 participating nations including the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. The ESSI aims to build a multi-layered air and missile defence network in Europe, with project completion targeted by 2030.
Under the MOU, Hanwha Systems and Diehl Defence will begin technical cooperation to integrate Hanwha’s radar with Diehl’s air defence systems. Both companies will jointly explore export markets and carry out system integration and validation using real radar equipment.
Hanwha Systems has supplied MFRs for major South Korean defence systems such as LAMD, M-SAM-II (Cheongung-II), L-SAM, and L-SAM-II, the latter referred to as “Korean THAAD” for its long-range and high-altitude interception capabilities. The company is considered Korea’s leading provider of multi-layered air defence technologies.
Hanwha Systems exported Cheongung-II MFRs to the United Arab Emirates in 2022 and to Saudi Arabia in 2024. Through this new collaboration with Diehl Defence, Hanwha aims to strengthen its position in Europe and broaden the global reach of its radar systems.
