Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, August 6, 2025 — Hanwha Systems announced that it will supply Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems for South Korea’s next-generation fighter jet, the KF-21. The company has finalized a follow-up production contract following last year’s initial agreement, committing to deliver a total of 40 AESA radar units by 2028.



AESA radar, often referred to as the "eyes" of a fighter jet, enables simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple targets across air, ground, and sea. With its wide detection range and rapid response time, AESA radar significantly enhances a fighter’s combat capability and survivability compared to traditional mechanically scanned radar.



Developed under the leadership of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Hanwha Systems began participating in the AESA radar project as a prototype developer. Remarkably, the first prototype was rolled out just four years after development commenced, in 2020. Now, with the start of full-scale production, the company will begin supplying the radar systems to be integrated into the KF-21 fighter jets.



A Hanwha Systems official stated, “Delivering these cutting-edge radar systems is a key step in strengthening South Korea’s defense capabilities and advancing domestic aerospace technologies.”



The KF-21 program, led by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), represents a critical leap forward in South Korea's efforts to establish indigenous defense technologies and bolster air force readiness.

 

 

 

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