Hanwha Aerospace, the arm of Korea's largest defense group Hanwha (000880), is mounting a push to export layered air defense systems to Europe, following ground weapons such as the K9 self-propelled howitzer. The move targets the spread of layered air defense programs tied to military modernization plans across Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, led by Poland.
Hanwha Aerospace (012450) and Hanwha Systems (272210) said on the 7th that they will jointly take part in MSPO 2026, Europe's largest arms exhibition, held in Kielce, Poland, from the 8th to the 11th. Under the slogan "Proven Partnership, Strategic Capability, Self-Reliant Defense," the two companies will set up a 274-square-meter joint pavilion showcasing a defense portfolio spanning land, sea, air and space.
Hanwha Aerospace will put layered air defense at the front of its display, targeting a European market pouring resources into air defense. The system counters low-, medium- and high-altitude threats in stages. On show will be the L-SAM long-range surface-to-air guided weapon, the H-SHORAD short-range air defense system, the H-Shield counter-drone system that combines detection and strike functions, and a 40mm wheeled unmanned air defense system.
Hanwha Systems will also unveil "Cheongwang," the first laser air defense weapon fielded in Korea, along with a 50-kilowatt mobile laser armored vehicle and a 20-kilowatt laser tactical vehicle.
In unmanned ground systems, the company is aiming for Poland's third K9 executive contract (EC3) with the upgraded "K9A2" and an integrated ammunition package that includes a 155mm course-correction fuze and a modular charge system (MCS). It will also highlight follow-on logistics support capabilities, including four types of Chunmoo guided missiles that allow users to select range and munition type, and a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS).
"The trust we have built in Europe through the K9 and Chunmoo programs is our biggest asset," a Hanwha official said. "We will continue to present tailored solutions and contribute actively to the self-reliant defense of NATO allies and the development of their defense industry ecosystems."
LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A) is also concentrating on winning Poland's layered air defense order and selling the Korean GPS Guided Bomb (KGGB) locally. The company plans to present combat data on the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air guided weapon, the L-SAM and the KGGB, which offers precision strike capability. At Germany's Rheinmetall booth, the two companies will display a short-range air defense missile they are jointly developing and a mockup of a vehicle-mounted launcher as part of local marketing efforts.
