In a significant development for South Korea’s defense capabilities, Northrop Grumman has inked a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha to bolster the Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) program. The collaboration focuses on the support for manufacturing critical hardware components of the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) by the Seoul-based company.
The ALMDS, developed by Northrop Grumman, serves a vital role in maritime safety by detecting, classifying, and locating mines that are floating or near-surface moored. This state-of-the-art system employs streak tube imaging Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to conduct wide area reconnaissance and mine assessments in various challenging environments, including littoral zones, confined straits, and key choke points. An essential feature of the ALMDS is its ability to provide precise geo-location of targets, thereby aiding in mine neutralization efforts.
In 2023, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to supply the ALMDS and provide technical support during the engineering, manufacturing, and design (EMD) phase of the KMCH program. This EMD phase is projected to conclude in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the program’s timeline.
Reflecting on the partnership, Janice Zilch, vice president of multi-domain command and control programs at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the importance of industry collaborations. She noted that alliances with companies such as Hanwha and KAI are crucial to advancing technology development on a global scale. Zilch reaffirmed the commitment of Northrop Grumman to deliver advanced defense solutions tailored to meet the evolving security needs of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.
The collaboration with Hanwha follows an earlier partnership in 2024, where Northrop Grumman enlisted South Korean firm Genohco for the fabrication of ALMDS hardware components. This ongoing series of partnerships highlights the increasing integration of domestic defense industry capabilities with advanced military technologies, aiming to enhance South Korea’s operational capabilities in maritime defense and mine countermeasure operations.
