Hanwha Systems to develop MFR for South Korea’s Low Altitude Missile Defense system

Hanwha Systems announced on 30 April 2025 that it has been contracted to take charge of developing the multi-function radar (MFR) for South Korea’s Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD) system, often referred to as a ‘Korean-style Iron Dome’.

The company has been selected as the prototype developer for the LAMD MFR in a project led by the South Korean government’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The development contract is valued at KRW 131.5 billion (EUR 81 million) and is scheduled for completion by November 2028.

For the LAMD system Hanwha Systems aims to develop a next-generation radar that surpasses the capabilities of that used by Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system in handling multiple simultaneous targets in a dense threat environment.

The LAMD system is designed to intercept large numbers of missiles and artillery rounds flying at low altitudes and over short distances from North Korea. Since it is intended to respond to missiles approaching major facilities, the LAMD system is expected to serve as the ‘final shield’ for the capital area around Seoul.

As the ‘eyes’ of the LAMD system, the MFR will be required to perform complex tasks such as detection, tracking, friend-or-foe identification, missile guidance and intercept confirmation for multiple targets with one radar in a complex battlefield environment.

The LAMD radar must be especially capable of distinguishing between and tracking hundreds of individual projectiles flying in clusters, in real time, within a confined airspace, and is thus expected to be one of the most technologically advanced radar systems in the world.

“It is hard to imagine an advanced and cutting-edge ‘air defense system’ without radar,” Hyuk Park, head of Hanwha Systems’ Defense Electronics Division, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Our focus is on advancing radar technologies that not only strengthen national defence but also drive the expansion of our global defense exports.”

Hanwha Systems has a strong track record in radar development, including solutions for surface-to-air missile systems, naval platforms such as the FFX Batch-III frigate and aircraft such as the KF-21 fighter.

Following the export of the Cheongung-II (M-SAM-II) surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, which is being delivered into the Middle East market, global interest in South Korea’s SAM systems has grown in recent years, including in relation to the long-range L-SAM system.