Hanwha Systems has officially launched mass production of its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system for South Korea’s next-generation KF-21 fighter jet.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), in partnership with Hanwha Systems, hosted a rollout ceremony on August 5 at the company’s Yongin Research and Development Center.
The event was attended by more than 50 representatives from the Republic of Korea Air Force, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and other key government and defense bodies.
According to Hanwha Systems, the radar is the first domestically produced AESA unit designed specifically for integration into the KF-21 Boramae, a multi-role fighter developed by Korea Aerospace Industries. The rollout follows a full-scale production agreement signed earlier this year, which calls for the delivery of 40 radar units between 2025 and 2028.
AESA radars are regarded as a core component of modern fighter aircraft. The system offers simultaneous multi-mission functions, including the detection and tracking of airborne, maritime, and ground targets. Unlike older mechanically scanned radar systems, AESA arrays operate with thousands of individual transmit/receive (T/R) modules, allowing for faster target acquisition, wider area surveillance, and increased resistance to electronic interference.
In a statement, Hanwha Systems said it began AESA radar development in 2016 and unveiled its first prototype in 2020, demonstrating domestic expertise in radar engineering within a relatively short timeline.
The newly completed antenna testing facility at the Yongin R&D Center played a central role in the rollout. Built in late 2024, the site includes a Near-Field Chamber capable of simultaneously testing up to four radar systems. The facility is equipped to evaluate the key operational parameters and signal fidelity of AESA radar arrays, each featuring around 1,000 T/R modules.
“Hanwha Systems is the one and only company in Korea to successfully develop, mass-produce, and export AESA radar systems,” said Hyuk Park, Head of Hanwha Systems’ Defense Electronics Division. “We are expanding our global reach with scalable radar solutions tailored to a wide range of platforms—from light fighters to unmanned aerial vehicles.”
The KF-21, currently undergoing flight testing, is a central element of South Korea’s long-term defense modernization strategy. Once fully operational, the aircraft will replace aging F-4 and F-5 platforms and is expected to enhance Korea’s airpower capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign systems.
In addition to domestic defense goals, Hanwha Systems is positioning the AESA radar for international markets. In May 2024, the company signed its first export deal for the technology with Leonardo, a European aerospace firm. The agreement covers radar antennas for integration into light attack aircraft, marking South Korea’s entry into a competitive global radar market.
As Seoul continues to invest in local defense production, systems like the KF-21 AESA radar are viewed as pivotal to enhancing indigenous capabilities and establishing South Korea as a defense exporter.