June 10, 2025 — Hanwha Systems, a key player in South Korea’s defense and aerospace technology sector, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems, the United Kingdom’s leading defense and security company. This agreement marks the start of a collaborative endeavor to develop an advanced multi-sensor satellite system.
This partnership aims to integrate BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art ultra-wideband Radio Frequency (RF) sensor technology with Hanwha Systems’ pioneering small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite capabilities. The goal of this collaboration is to create a robust space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solution, enhancing both companies' competitive edge in the global satellite industry.
The envisioned multi-sensor satellite system will merge data from RF and SAR satellites, utilizing machine learning to provide accurate, timely, and high-resolution intelligence. By fusing these diverse data streams, the system is expected to offer greatly improved situational awareness, creating a formidable tool for space-based surveillance.
Rachael Hoyle, Space Director at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Combining our space expertise with Hanwha Systems’ SAR satellite capabilities offers an exciting chance to advance ISR technologies for international markets. We look forward to building this relationship and progressing space technologies together.”
Sung-Chan Song, Head of the Space Division at Hanwha Systems, highlighted the importance of small SAR satellites, noting, "These satellites are increasingly recognized as vital for surveillance and reconnaissance. We are proud to collaborate with BAE Systems as we expand our presence in the global satellite market."
Hanwha Systems plays a pivotal role in South Korea’s 425 Project, the nation’s premier military reconnaissance satellite program. Notably, in December 2023, Hanwha successfully launched a 1-meter resolution small SAR satellite crafted entirely with domestic technology, underscoring its leadership in civilian-led Earth observation and surveillance innovativeness. The company is also actively involved in Korea’s first low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellite development project, spearheaded by the Agency for Defense Development, contributing significantly to the establishment of an independent military satellite constellation.
