Hanwha Systems Co., a South Korean aerospace and defense contractor, has been selected by the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses to develop advanced radars escorting the KF-21 fighter jets.
This selection makes Hanwha Systems the preferred developer for active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be used alongside South Korea’s KF-21 fighter aircraft.
The agreement tasks Hanwha Systems with developing AESA radar tailored specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles, with the aim of integration with the KF-21 fighter jets by the end of 2026.
Hanwha Systems will develop an advanced model of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) to be installed on both the KF-21 fighter jets and their unmanned escort planes, and other lightweight combat aircraft, by the conclusion of 2026.
This initiative will equip these aircraft with radar technology to enhance their capabilities in detecting and tracking enemy targets.
The AESA radar, often referred to as the “eyes of the aircraft,” plays a crucial role in aircraft operations by detecting and monitoring enemy aircraft and facilitating the guidance of guided missiles. Hanwha Systems plans to produce AESA radars specifically tailored for the KF-21 fighter jets, with production slated for this year.
With its sophisticated software and beam control technologies, the AESA radar system offers advanced capabilities, including simultaneous engagement of multiple targets across various environments such as air, ground, and sea.
Hanwha Systems aims to downsize and reduce the weight of the AESA radar for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by implementing air-cooled technology. This innovative cooling method utilizes air to manage the substantial heat generated by the radar, eliminating the need for additional cooling equipment and resulting in a lighter and more compact radar system.
Additionally, the company plans to decrease the size of the transmit/receive block (TRB), a critical element of the radar antenna responsible for signal transmission and reception, by 50%, further enhancing the radar’s efficiency and performance.
Hanwha Systems, the sole South Korean company to have developed AESA radar specifically optimized for the KF-21 fighter jets, emphasized expansion of its radar portfolio for various aircraft models.
Park Hyuk, head of Hanwha Systems’ surveillance and reconnaissance division, expressed the company’s intention to broaden its market reach by exporting AESA radars to regions including Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
The importance of outfitting unmanned formations with advanced radars capable of performing critical tasks such as enemy air defense suppression and electronic warfare cannot be overstated, according to Hanwha Systems.
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