Hanwha Systems has started mass production of its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system, developed for South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft. The first production unit was officially rolled out at a ceremony held on August 5 at the company’s research and development center in Yongin.
The event was organized in coordination with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and attended by over 50 representatives from the Republic of Korea Air Force, DAPA, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and other institutions involved in the KF-21 program.
The radar, which began development in 2016, was first unveiled as a prototype in 2020. Following a limited production contract signed last year, Hanwha Systems finalized a full-scale agreement earlier this year to deliver 40 units between 2025 and 2028.
Designed to serve as a core component of the KF-21’s combat systems, the AESA radar is capable of tracking multiple targets across air, ground, and maritime domains simultaneously. AESA radars offer improved speed, detection range, and resistance to jamming compared to mechanically scanned arrays.
The rollout coincided with the completion of a new antenna testing facility at the Yongin R&D Center. This facility, finished in late 2024, includes a Near-Field Chamber capable of evaluating four radar systems at once. Each AESA radar contains around 1,000 transmit/receive modules and is tested for key performance parameters and signal characteristics.
Hanwha Systems claims to be the only company in South Korea that has independently developed and entered mass production of AESA radar technology. In May 2024, the company signed its first export agreement for radar antennas with Italian defense firm Leonardo. The deal involves AESA systems for use on light attack aircraft and marks South Korea’s initial entry into the global radar export market.