Secure World Foundation has released a study revealing significant global investments in military space capabilities. The United States, China, and Russia are leading the way, enhancing their abilities in satellite destruction, jamming, and overall space-based warfare. Countries like Australia, France, and India are also ramping up their space defense efforts, focusing on communications, intelligence, and electronic warfare. The report emphasizes that future conflicts are likely to involve space as a key domain. As a result, nations are reorganizing their military structures to better integrate and prioritize space operations. Original news
Category: South-Korea
Germany Seeks Closer Defense Ties with South Korea Amid Industry Push
German Ambassador to South Korea Georg Schmidt called for deeper cooperation with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). He emphasized Germany’s €1 trillion defense investment plan, aligning with U.S. calls for increased European defense spending. Schmidt pointed to ongoing collaboration, including South Korea’s acquisition of German Taurus missiles, while acknowledging growing competition between the two nations’ defense industries. He stressed the importance of domestic production capabilities and rapid manufacturing in Germany’s procurement strategy. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness, he noted, will be decisive factors in future defense partnerships. Original news
Hanwha Aerospace Launches $2.5 Billion Stock Sale to Fund Global Expansion
Hanwha Aerospace announced plans to raise 3.6 trillion won ($2.5 billion) through a record stock sale approved by its board on Thursday. The capital will support investments in the defense, maritime, and aerospace sectors. The company aims to establish strategic production bases in regions such as Europe and the United States. Hanwha targets 70 trillion won in sales and 10 trillion won in operating profit by 2035. CEO Son Jae-il stated the initiative will position the company as a “global top-tier” player. Original news
South Korean Defense Firms Invest in AI for Future Air Combat Systems
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Asset Management are investing in artificial intelligence firms to enhance autonomous military technologies. KAI has invested $4.1 million in GenGenAI, securing a 9.87% stake to advance AI pilot technology for future air combat systems. Hanwha joined L3Harris in a $240 million funding round for Shield AI, a company specializing in autonomous systems for contested environments. Shield AI President Brandon Tseng highlighted the success of their Hivemind Enterprise technology, which has enabled autonomous flight for F-16s, MQ-20s, and V-BAT drones. These partnerships demonstrate South Korea’s commitment to integrating AI into next-generation military aircraft and autonomous […]
HD Hyundai Advances AI-Driven Shipyard Automation with Palantir
HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building an AI-powered automated shipyard with minimal human intervention. The Future of Shipyard (FOS) project, launched in 2021 and set for completion by 2030, aims to increase productivity by 30% and cut shipbuilding time by 30% through AI, robotics, and digital twins. Palantir Technologies highlighted Hyundai’s digital transformation efforts in a video released on Wednesday. Chung emphasized the importance of marine mobility innovations, focusing on electrification and eco-friendly solutions. The initiative positions HD Hyundai as a leader in next-generation smart shipbuilding. Original news
South Korean Space Agency Unveils R&D Budget Boost
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) plans to invest 806.4 billion won ($562.5 million) in research and development projects in 2024, representing a 43.3% increase in R&D spending. Established in May, KASA aims to position South Korea among the top five nations in aerospace technology. Key investments include 187.4 billion won ($130.5 million) for research at national aerospace institutes, 150.8 billion won ($105 million) for a new rocket, and 45 billion won ($31.3 million) for lunar spacecraft development. KASA is also collaborating with NASA on the Lunar Space Environment Monitor for a 2025 mission, with 7.3 billion won ($5.1 million) allocated […]
S. Korea, US, Japan stage joint air drills involving B-1B bomber after NK missile launches
South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted combined air drills on Wednesday, involving two U.S. B-1B bombers, South Korean F-15K jets, and Japanese F-2 fighter jets, marking their first such exercise of the year. The drills aimed to enhance joint capabilities to deter North Korea’s evolving missile and nuclear threats, including its recent launches of hypersonic and short-range ballistic missiles. North Korea claimed a successful hypersonic missile test on January 6, but South Korea’s military dismissed the claims as deceptive. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command emphasized the exercises as a demonstration of strong trilateral cooperation for an immediate and coordinated response […]
Hanwha Aerospace to supply artillery propellant charges for Swedish Army’s Archer howitzers
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to supply propellant charges for Sweden’s Archer artillery system. This deal addresses immediate ammunition shortages caused by heightened global demand following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Propellant charges, critical for launching artillery shells, have been in limited supply due to increased production pressures worldwide. FMV’s Strategic Buyer, Olle Oswald, emphasized that while Sweden is developing long-term supply chain solutions with neighboring countries, Hanwha’s support will meet urgent short-term needs. The agreement underscores growing defense cooperation between Sweden and South Korea and ensures the operational readiness […]
South-Korea completes development of L-SAM defense system with homegrown technology
South-Korea has successfully developed the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system to enhance its air defense capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. The L-SAM, capable of intercepting targets at altitudes of 50 to 60 km, complements the country’s multi-layered missile defense system alongside U.S. Patriot and M-SAM II systems. President Yoon Suk Yeol hailed the system as a significant milestone in national defense, while Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun warned North Korea of severe consequences for provocations. Production of the L-SAM is expected to begin next year, with deployment planned for the mid-to-late 2020s as part of the Korea Air […]
South-Korea, US, Japan to hold 2nd trilateral Freedom Edge exercise
South Korea, the United States, and Japan have commenced their second trilateral multi-domain exercise, Freedom Edge, demonstrating joint deterrence against North Korean threats. This three-day drill, occurring in international waters near South Korea’s Jeju Island, involves advanced naval and air assets, including the USS George Washington, F-35 stealth fighters, and destroyers from South Korea and Japan. The exercise focuses on areas such as air defense, ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, and cyber defense. The initiative follows agreements from high-level summits to conduct annual multidomain drills to counter evolving threats from North Korea. Amid deepening North Korea-Russia alignment, the […]
US And South Korea Announce New Defense Tech Agreement
The US and South Korean defense ministers announced a new joint science and technology committee focused on advanced defense technologies, including exploring South Korea’s participation in AUKUS Pillar II. South Korea’s Minister Kim Yong Hyun confirmed plans to form a vice-minister level committee to drive collaboration on autonomous systems, AI, and quantum technology. The announcement followed a US-Republic of Korea security consultative meeting and will be followed by a “2+2” meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and ROK’s foreign minister. While AUKUS Pillar I remains exclusive to the US, UK, and Australia for nuclear technology, Pillar II offers opportunities […]
Hanwha Aerospace’s Europe land arms sales to double by 2027
#analysis Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense company, expects its European land arms revenue to double by 2027, driven by partnerships to produce arms in customers’ home countries. CEO Son Jae-il emphasized that many European nations now prioritize building domestic defense capabilities alongside purchasing arms. Hanwha has secured major deals with Poland and Romania, including joint production clauses, as part of South Korea’s broader defense export strategy, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company’s order backlog surged to 30.3 trillion won by mid-2023, with exports exceeding domestic sales for the first time this year. Hanwha aims to become a […]
Korean defense firm eyes bigger footing in Europe with homegrown multiple rocket launcher system
Hanwha Aerospace is seeking to export its Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system to Norway, aiming to expand its presence in the European defense market. The company showcased a life-sized Chunmoo for the first time in Europe at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris, highlighting strong interest from potential buyers. Hanwha signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to strengthen collaboration on land-based defense solutions. Norway is exploring options for acquiring long-range precision weapon systems, with Chunmoo and Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS among the leading candidates. Hanwha hopes to build on its existing relationship with Norway, which already […]