Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s leading aerospace and defence corporation, has joined the Black Sea Defence & Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 Exhibition and Conference being held at the ROMAERO Complex in Bucharest, Romania. 

 

This is the first time that Hanwha Aerospace is participating in the prestigious defence fair from May 22 to 24 in the Black Sea region, representing the company’s ambitious initiatives to build and expand partnerships with Romania and neighboring countries. 

 

Hanwha Aerospace is displaying a range of advanced capabilities concentrating to combat vehicles and precision-guided weapons. 

 

Range of innovative technologies

The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) takes the centre stage, as the vehicle offers a range of innovative technologies, meeting the requirements of Romania’s military modernisation plans. 

 

“With its adaptability and growth potential, the Redback is the world’s most sophisticated IFV featuring best-in-class armoured protection, mobility and lethality,” said Billy Boohwan Lee, Head of Hanwha Aerospace Europe. “Besides capabilities, the Redback IFV solution is expected to help bring a massive manufacturing capability to the Romanian market through active industrial partnerships.”

 

Based on the South Korean Army’s K21 IFV, the Redback was developed to feature the state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities, which include the In-arm suspension units; the composite rubber track; a hard-kill active protection system; and a see-through helmet mounted situational awareness display. 

 

In 2023, the Redback was selected by Australia for the LAND 400 Phase 3 programme to deliver 129 IFVs, with an extensive involvement of Australian supply chains. The Redback is also considered to be a baseline for the South Korean Army’s next-generation IFV development. 

 

K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzer

The K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzer is also on display to highlight the equipment’s globally proven capabilities. The 155mm/52-calibre tracked howitzer has so far been adopted by nine countries, including five NATO member states -- Poland, Norway, Estonia, Finland and Türkiye. 

 

For the K9 programme in Romania, Hanwha Aerospace has formed ‘Team Tunet’ involving Romanian supply chains, representing the company’s strong commitment to maximising economic benefits to the Romanian industry through industrial partnerships. 

 

“As a trusted partner for Romania, Hanwha Aerospace is fully committed to delivering best quality products and services to support Romania’s military modernization plans,” said Jae Il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “In addition, we’re dedicated to coming up with plans contributing to the Romanian industry and economy, such as local manufacturing, employment, technology transfer, joint R&D and export marketing.”   

 

Other products presented at BSDA include the K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, the Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System; the Chungum (TAipers) tactical guided missile both for manned and unmanned vehicles.--TradeArabia News Service