Hanwha Systems Supplies Final SAR Payload for Military Reconnaissance Satellite 425 Project

[Financial News] The fifth and final satellite of the military reconnaissance satellite '425 Project', developed under the leadership of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), was successfully launched on July 2 (local time) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Hanwha Systems announced on July 3 that since 2018, it has participated in the development of the core components of the SAR satellite, specifically the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor and Data Link. Following its stable supply of SAR payloads for the previously launched 2nd, 3rd, and 4th satellites, Hanwha Systems also provided the SAR payload for the recently launched 5th satellite.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a cutting-edge sensor technology that emits radar waves sequentially over land or sea and synthesizes the reflected signals. This enables precise observation of terrain regardless of day or night or weather conditions.
With this launch, a surveillance and reconnaissance satellite network—central to South Korea’s Korean-style Kill Chain—has been successfully established, enabling continuous monitoring and reconnaissance of the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas day and night, even in adverse weather. This marks a symbolic milestone as South Korea becomes a nation capable of independently operating military reconnaissance satellites.
The 425 Project is South Korea’s first military reconnaissance satellite development program, consisting of a total of five satellites: one Electro-Optical/Infrared Satellite (EO/IR Satellite) and four Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites (SAR satellites). The name '425' is derived from combining the pronunciations of 'SAR' and 'EO' to resemble the number.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) leads the project, with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) overseeing development. Hanwha Systems is responsible for manufacturing and supplying the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) payload, a key component of the satellite.
Unlike the previously launched satellites, which were developed through technological cooperation with leading foreign companies, the fifth satellite achieved localization in core areas such as SAR payload assembly, integration, and testing, as well as the electronics of the SAR sensor and Data Link. This contributed to increasing the localization rate of the entire 425 satellite constellation.
To achieve complete localization of the SAR payload in the future, Hanwha Systems is developing domestically the reflector antenna and feed array assembly—components that have high overseas dependency and are typically not disclosed by advanced countries. This technological self-reliance is expected to be a significant turning point for national security and the competitiveness of the space industry.
Hanwha Systems’ SAR payload boasts stable image transmission via a high-speed, high-capacity Data Link and excellent all-weather reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite can observe the Korean Peninsula four to six times a day, with a short revisit cycle, enabling repeated imaging of specific areas.
Song Seongchan, Head of Hanwha Systems’ Space Business Division, stated, “We are proud that Hanwha Systems could be part of this great journey to secure South Korea’s independent surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Moving forward, Hanwha Systems will continue to contribute to strengthening national security and advancing the defense space industry, building on our accumulated satellite technology.”

jiany@fnnews.com Yeon Ji-an Reporter