Hanwha Systems will begin developing the multi-function radar (MFR), the "eyes" of Cheongung-III, the next-generation surface-to-air guided weapon system.
Hanwha Systems said on the 17th it signed a prototype contract for MFR system development for "M-SAM Block-III (Cheongung-III)," the third phase of the medium-range surface-to-air guided weapon system program led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The contract is worth about 200.6 billion won, and the project runs through June 2030.
Cheongung, a purely domestic weapon, is used to intercept enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles from the ground and is called the "Korean Patriot." Cheongung-I is for aircraft interception, and Cheongung-II can intercept ballistic missiles. Cheongung-III, which is now entering development, will see significant improvements over the current system in detection range and altitude, interception range and altitude, and simultaneous engagement capability to counter advanced enemy ballistic missile threats.
Cheongung-III is being developed for the first time in about 13 years since the 2012 Cheongung-II performance improvement project. A Hanwha Systems official said, "By integrating our latest radar technologies with the development experience and operational know-how from Cheongung-I and Cheongung-II radars, we will embark on developing a more innovative MFR together with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD)."
The MFR serves as the "eyes" of surface-to-air guided weapon systems like Cheongung-III, detecting and tracking threatening targets and supporting interception. A single radar can simultaneously detect and track multiple targets and even perform identification friend or foe for aircraft.
Active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology will be applied to the Cheongung-III MFR system development. AESA radar is a cutting-edge radar capable of performing multiple missions simultaneously, such as detecting and tracking ballistic missiles and aircraft flying at high speed from long distances. It offers a wider detection envelope and faster response than conventional mechanical radars and can detect, track, and engage multiple targets at the same time.
Hanwha Systems plans to pour its AESA radar technologies and know-how into this MFR development. In addition to ballistic missiles and aircraft, it aims to build lower-tier defense capabilities to counter future air-defense threats such as cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Park Hyuk, head of the radar center at Hanwha Systems, said, "Hanwha Systems will prove in the global market that it is the No. 1 radar company worldwide through the development of the Cheongung-III MFR," adding, "Based on our accumulated radar development capabilities, we will actively help strengthen the reliability of Korea's air-defense system and lead the expansion of overseas exports."