Hanwha Aerospace Romania signs MoU with Pusan and Bucharest universities

Hanwha Aerospace Romania, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pusan National University (PNU) and the University of Science and Technology Polytechnic Bucharest (UPB) to promote activities in education and research and development (R&D) among the three parties, the company announced on 17 April 2025.

The trilateral partnership is part of initiatives by Hanwha Aerospace Romania to enhance its social responsibility efforts in Romania, where the company is committed to expanding its partnership with the local community in tandem with the planned construction of a manufacturing facility for land defence systems in Romania.

The signing ceremony was held at the University of Science and Technology Polytechnic Bucharest and attended by Peter Bae, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania, and Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the UPB, with Choi Jae Weon, PNU President, attending virtually. Rim Kap-soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania, observed the signing, while other participants included Richard Kim, Business Development Director of Hanwha Aerospace Romania; Tudor Prisecaru, President of the UPB Academic Senate; and Horia Necula, Vice Rector of UPB.

Under the MoU the parties will co-operate on scholarship, internship, talent recruitment, operation of an R&D centre and defence education programmes.

“The agreement is a key milestone for Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s localisation commitment and partnership with the local community, contributing to the growth of Romanian industrial and defence capabilities,” Bae was quoted as saying in a company press release. “This trilateral MoU in particular will be a stepping stone for nurturing local defence workforce, as well as establishing an R&D centre in Romania, on top of the planned operation of an advanced manufacturing facility for land systems such as the K9 self-propelled howitzer and K10 ammunition resupply vehicle.”

“Based on this MoU,” Bae noted, “Romanian students are expected to have opportunities to experience and acquire advanced defence technologies in South Korea.”

Costoiu added, “We are proud to begin our journey of co-operation with a truly visionary partner, Hanwha Aerospace, and one of South Korea’s most prestigious academic institutions, Pusan National University. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment in pioneering innovation in the global defence industry. We trust that this consortium will genuinely foster technological excellence and educational collaboration, empowering students and researchers to exciting new opportunities.”