Australia has reportedly inquired about the possibility of introducing a command and control system (C4I) from Hanwha System. If the C4I contract between Australia and Hanwha System is successfully concluded, it is evaluated as significant due to being the first software export in the defense industry.
According to sources in the defense industry and government on the 13th, Australia, which is in the process of upgrading its military command and control system, recently expressed interest in collaborating with Hanwha System's C4I. This marks the official initiation of procedures on the Australian side. This project is part of the 'Land 4140' initiative pursued by the Australian government, aimed at enhancing command, control, and weapon systems across the Australian military.
C4I refers to command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence. It is a software program that can connect land, sea, air, and space through communication to share information on the battlefield. It visualizes and disseminates information identified by allied troops or surveillance drones deployed in various battlefields in real time.
Hanwha System is striving to secure the Land 4140 contract. They emphasize the capability to expand communication coverage by linking their C4I systems to low-earth orbit satellites of the British satellite company OneWeb. Hanwha System previously acquired a 9% equity stake in OneWeb for $300 million (4.36 billion won) in 2021. The bidding announcement related to the Australian government's upgrade of the command and control system is expected to occur within this year.
The contract scale is expected to be several hundred billion won. While this amount is not larger than other weapons systems exports, the analysis shows it is significant as the first software export. An industry insider noted, 'If successful, this export would recognize the production capability of the Korean defense industry in establishing a communication network connecting land, sea, air, and space.'
In 2022, Hanwha System signed a memorandum of understanding with OneWeb to participate in the Australian military satellite internet project, marking their bid for the Land 4140 contract. Last year, they expanded their cooperative relationship with local corporations by entering into a business agreement with GME, an Australian company specializing in radio transceivers. GME has been engaged in the radio frequency (RF) communication field for over 60 years.