Hanwha Systems has successfully expanded and relocated its production base in Gumi, South Korea, transitioning from a 45,000-square-meter facility to a new, state-of-the-art site that spans 89,000 square meters. This significant move comes with a substantial investment of 280 billion won, equivalent to approximately $190 million, and is designed to bolster domestic capabilities in national defense while also augmenting its role in global security efforts.
The newly established facility houses a 5,000-square-meter cleanroom, the largest of its kind within South Korea’s defense sector. This area is dedicated to the production of electro-optical products and fundamental radar components used in a variety of weapon systems. The cleanroom ensures the precision and reliability necessary for advanced military technologies.
Additionally, the site features a well-equipped 2,300-square-meter materials management room that incorporates logistics robotics and automated systems. This room is responsible for managing over 20,000 different types of raw materials and components, ensuring optimal conditions for material integrity. The automation within this room aims to enhance production stability and supply chain efficiency.
The expanded capabilities of the new Gumi facility will not only facilitate the production of advanced military hardware but also support Hanwha Systems’ initiatives involving artificial intelligence-driven combat systems, unmanned vessels, autonomous navigation, and intelligent propulsion control systems.
A crucial aspect of the new production base is its role in enabling the export of key naval defense systems. This includes multi-function radars and combat systems that have garnered interest in international markets. Recent export activities highlight this trend; Hanwha Systems has successfully provided Cheongung-II multi-function radars to countries including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Contracts for these systems are valued significantly, with the UAE agreement at approximately $1.1 billion, Saudi Arabia’s at around $867 million, and Iraq’s at about $644 million.
Moreover, the company’s combat system exports to the Philippines have outfitted six offshore patrol vessels, following earlier installations on two larger corvettes in 2022. The company has a proven track record, having previously upgraded the combat systems of three frigates in 2019, showcasing its ongoing commitment to enhancing the capabilities of naval forces in allied nations.
This strategic expansion aligns with Hanwha Systems’ broader goals of enhancing national security and meeting the increasingly complex demands of global defense markets.
