Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 8th that it has signed a production contract worth 270 billion won for an 'explosive detection and removal robot' with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. This marks the first deployment case of a domestically produced defense robot, with production starting this year.
The explosive detection and removal robot detects landmines remotely and carries out tasks for detecting and removing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It can be equipped with modules according to various operational situations, and the basic claw manipulation arm and surveillance equipment allow it to handle hazardous materials from 360 degrees. Additional attachments like X-ray visibility devices, landmine detectors, recoilless water cannon guns, shotguns, cable cutters, and glass shattering devices can also be utilized.
Previously, soldiers were directly deployed to mine detection and improvised explosive device removal sites or a limited number of foreign IED removal robots were used. Considering the trend toward unmanned battlefields and technological advancements, the government began exploratory development of the explosive detection and removal robot with Hanwha Aerospace in 2017 and completed system development in 2023.
A representative from Hanwha Aerospace said, 'We will actively seek to strengthen the defense capabilities of our country and explore overseas market expansion in the future.'