Hanwha Systems to develop advanced AESA radar for military drones

[Courtesy of Hanwha Systems Co.]

Hanwha Systems Co., a major defense contractor under South Korea’s Hanwha Group, announced on Tuesday that it has been selected as the preferred negotiation partner for the development of active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be operated in combination with the country’s fighter jet KF-21.

This project, overseen by the Agency for Defense Development, aims to complete the development by the end of 2026.

AESA radar is a state-of-the-art system capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple targets across air, ground, and sea simultaneously. The radar’s performance heavily relies on advanced software technologies for signal processing and beam control.

Hanwha Systems plans to miniaturize and reduce the weight of the AESA radar for UAVs. The company will incorporate an air-cooled system to manage the significant heat generated by the radar, eliminating the need for additional cooling equipment and thereby reducing the radar’s overall weight and volume.

Hanwha Systems said it has significantly downsized the transmit/receive block (TRB), a key component of the radar antenna responsible for sending and receiving signals.

By compressing the brick-shaped TRB into a tile-shaped design, the volume has been reduced by 50 percent without compromising radar performance.

Upon completion, this UAV-optimized AESA radar will not only be suitable for drones but also for light combat aircraft.

Hanwha Systems highlighted the importance of equipping unmanned formations with advanced radars capable of performing tasks such as detection and tracking, enemy air defense suppression, and electronic warfare, to enhance the survivability and combat effectiveness of allied forces.