South Korean aerospace and defense company Hanwha Systems invests 32.6 billion won (US$30 million) in Kymeta Corporation, a satellite communication developer. The solutions company announced that they bought 43 million shares, which amounts to 9.11 percent of Kymeta.
Hanwha Systems signed the investment to get involved early in the international market for Low-Earth Orbit satellite antennas. Hanwha’s backing was established for upgrades in unit manufacturing, improvements in customer service, and other developments in their smart technologies.
“With the expertise of HSC’s top-notch defense communication and radar technologies, we are joining hands with this promising US satellite antenna company. All these efforts will further strengthen HSC’s aerospace systems capabilities,” said Hanwha’s Chief Executive Director Kim Youn-Chul.
The deal between the two manufacturers grants the commercial usage of Kymeta’s next-generation satellite antennas and services. The satellite communication company’s solutions include the Kymeta u8 antenna and Kymeta Connect service.
The Kymeta u8 and the Kymeta Connect application offers internet-providing services and secures connection through satellite, hybrid satellite, or cellular networks. These products allow cloud-based computing designed specifically for mobile platforms.
Under the agreement, Hanwha stated they would obtain the full rights to sell Kymeta’s satellite antenna lines in South Korea. Hanwha Systems will also secure a position in Kymeta’s Board of Directors in line with regulatory approvals.
“With the investment, Hanwha aims to emerge as a global leader in the low-orbit satellite antenna market,” continued the HSC Director. Hanwha Systems expects the investment to boost their international market capacity and expand their solutions and product portfolio.
Kymeta Corporation
Kymeta is a Washington-based company exploring the capabilities of satellite-cellular connectivity. They provide low-cost and smooth satellite-cellular mobile service connectivity for commercial and government markets.
“Support from HSC will help us expand our reach and drive the development and productization of our meta-material based antenna technology,” said Kymeta’s Executive Chairman Doug Hutcheson. “We look forward to working with HSC to develop technologies and solutions that are reliable and critical for communications on the move.”
The affiliation between the two defense electronics providers targets to develop next-generation electric satellite antennas in the future.
