Hanwha Systems Rolls Out First Mass-Produced AESA Radar for KF-21 Fighter Jet

Hanwha Systems has achieved a major milestone in South Korea’s fighter jet avionics development, completing the rollout of the first mass-produced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the KF-21 Boramae next-generation fighter aircraft.

The rollout ceremony, hosted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and organised by Hanwha Systems, was held at the company’s Yongin R&D Center. More than 50 senior officials from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and other defence agencies attended.

40 AESA Radar Units to be Delivered Between 2025 and 2028

Following an initial production contract in 2024, Hanwha Systems finalised a full agreement earlier this year to supply 40 AESA radar systems between 2025 and 2028 for KF-21 fighter jet integration.

Known as the “eyes” of modern combat aircraft, AESA radars provide multi-mission capability, including real-time tracking of airborne, maritime, and ground targets. Compared to traditional mechanically scanned radars, AESA technology offers:

• Faster target acquisition

• Wider detection range and coverage

• Improved survivability through simultaneous multi-target engagement

South Korea’s Indigenous AESA Radar Development

Hanwha Systems began developing its domestically designed AESA radar in 2016 and unveiled a working prototype in 2020, demonstrating South Korea’s ability to produce advanced military radar technology in record time.

The rollout coincided with the opening of a new AESA antenna testing facility at the Yongin R&D Center. Completed in late 2024, it includes a Near-Field Chamber capable of testing four airborne radar systems simultaneously. Each radar features around 1,000 transmit/receive (T/R) modules, enabling high-resolution imaging and superior target discrimination.

Hanwha Systems Targets Global Radar Export Market

“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 for a range of platforms, from light combat aircraft to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).”

In May 2024, Hanwha Systems signed its first international AESA radar export contract with Leonardo, a leading European defence and aerospace manufacturer. The deal covers radar antenna systems for light attack aircraft, marking the beginning of South Korea’s radar export programme.

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