Hanwha Systems has unveiled its first active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to enter mass production, designed specifically for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s KF-21 next-generation fighter. The launch event took place at the company’s advanced experimentation facility in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, marking a significant milestone in South Korea’s efforts to strengthen its domestic avionics capabilities.
The AESA radar program stems from a government contract for up to 40 units, with deliveries scheduled by 2028. All units will be integrated into the KF-21 Boramae fleet being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, a key project in Seoul’s push for greater defense self-reliance.
Hanwha’s Yongin facility, established in 2024, houses a state-of-the-art Near-Field Chamber capable of testing up to four airborne radar systems simultaneously. The chamber can evaluate essential performance metrics of AESA antenna arrays, ensuring quality and reliability before deployment in operational aircraft.
