Hanwha Systems Takes Charge of Developing Korean THAAD Multifunction Radar

[Financial News] Hanwha Systems will take charge of developing the multifunction radar for the 'Korean THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)'. 
Hanwha Systems was selected as the prototype contractor for the multifunction radar (MFR) in the second phase of the L-SAM-II (Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile) system development project, led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), on the 6th. This will contribute to enhancing the target detection, tracking, interception capabilities, and defense range of the Korean Missile Defense System (KAMD). The project is worth 54.7 billion won. 
L-SAM is an upper-tier defense system that tracks and intercepts enemy aircraft and missiles flying from a greater distance than any other air defense system possessed by our military. L-SAM-II, known as the 'Korean THAAD', significantly increases the interception altitude compared to the existing L-SAM, expanding the defense range by 3 to 4 times.
Against ballistic missile threats, L-SAM-II will be the first to intercept, followed sequentially by the 'Korean Patriot' medium-range surface-to-air missile system M-SAM-II (Cheongung-II) within the operational effective range, strengthening the Korean Missile Defense System (KAMD).
Hanwha Systems has developed and supplied the multifunction radar (MFR) for M-SAM (Cheongung), M-SAM-II (Cheongung-II), and L-SAM, all led by the Agency for Defense Development. They have also taken charge of developing the multifunction radar for L-SAM-II. They are evaluated as solidifying their position as the top global multifunction radar system development specialist in the country.
Hanwha Systems has been creating multifunction radars for Korea's next-generation destroyer (KDDX) and the latest frigate FFX Batch-III, as well as the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, the 'eyes' of the Korean supersonic fighter KF-21, representing Korea's leading land, sea, and air security assets.
The multifunction radar, known as the 'eyes' of the surface-to-air guided weapon system, performs real-time detection and tracking of multiple targets approaching from a distance, as well as aircraft identification, missile guidance, and other core roles in anti-ballistic missile engagements. In the L-SAM-II system, the multifunction radar is considered one of the core technologies. 
L-SAM-II's multifunction radar has developed and applied high-precision algorithms for upper-tier defense, significantly increasing the detection and tracking range for ballistic missile targets compared to the existing M-SAM-II and L-SAM multifunction radars. It supports stable interception of high-altitude ballistic missiles and aircraft flying at high speed from a distance. It can distinguish between threats and non-threats such as birds and debris, improving operational efficiency.
Park Hyuk, head of Hanwha Systems DE (Defense Electronics) division, said, “Radar is the core equipment of air defense weapon systems, and we will continue to develop various types of world-class ultra-high-performance radars to perfectly respond to the diversifying air threats to our Republic of Korea.”   


ggg@fnnews.com Kang Gu-gwi Reporter