BAE Systems and South Korea’s Hanwha Systems have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a multi-sensor satellite system aimed at international markets. The agreement brings together the UK firm’s experience in radio frequency (RF) sensors with Hanwha’s growing role in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technologies.
According to a joint announcement, the planned satellite system will integrate various sensors, including RF and SAR, to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The system is expected to use onboard edge processing and machine learning to analyze collected data and deliver real-time intelligence securely.
The collaboration marks a step forward in cross-border space technology development at a time when satellite-based ISR is gaining prominence among governments and defense customers. While details of the system’s deployment timeline have not been disclosed, both companies have indicated the project is targeted at global users.
Rachael Hoyle, Director of Space at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, noted that the partnership aims to build on both companies' existing capabilities in satellite development and ISR. Hanwha’s Sung-Chan Song, who leads the company’s space division, highlighted the growing demand for small SAR satellites in surveillance and reconnaissance roles.
The UK’s Industry Minister Sarah Jones welcomed the agreement, describing it as an example of how bilateral industrial cooperation could support job creation and technological advancement.
This development comes as BAE Systems prepares to launch its first cluster of low Earth orbit satellites under the Azalea™ program later this year. That initiative, developed with international partners, is designed to enhance situational awareness and threat detection from space.
Hanwha Systems, a major defense and electronics firm in South Korea, has been participating in national reconnaissance satellite programs and offers a broad portfolio of space-related systems, including sensors and payloads for Earth observation and communication satellites.