Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman sign MoU on IAMD collaboration

South Korea’s Hanwha Systems announced on 23 June 2025 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US defence contractor Northrop Grumman earlier this year to collaborate on technologies for integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) systems.

Through their partnership the two companies will discuss core technologies related to integrated air defence command and control (C2) and explore new business opportunities in South Korea, aiming to combine their respective strengths in radar and battle management technologies for more advanced and resilient air defence solutions.

Northrop Grumman is the developer of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS): a cutting-edge C2 system designed to integrate various sensors and interceptors across the land, sea and air domaons. Currently being deployed by the US Army and evaluated for expansion into Europe and beyond, IBCS enables seamless data sharing and optimised threat engagement across diverse weapon systems.

By connecting disparate radar and interceptor systems into a single networked command structure, IBCS allows for faster, more accurate responses to evolving aerial threats. It maximises operational efficiency by selecting the most effective interceptor regardless of its origin or type.

Hanwha Systems, meanwhile, possesses advanced C2 technologies that enable real-time integration between top-level command structures and weapon systems. These include the Korea Air and Missile Defense Operations Center (KAMDOC), the Master Control and Reporting Center (MCRC) and the Air Defense Command Control & Alert (ADC2A) system — all core elements of South Korea’s indigenous air and missile defence command architecture.

Hanwha Systems is also responsible for the development and delivery of multi-function radars (MFRs) across a wide spectrum of systems, including the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD) system; M-SAM Block-II (Cheongung-II), which is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system; and the L-SAM and L-SAM Block-II systems, which are South Korea’s long-range air defence and high-altitude interception systems.

Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager for C2 and weapons integration at Northrop Grumman, was quoted by Hanwha as stating, “This MoU with Hanwha demonstrates our strong desire to collaborate with Korean industry in exploring opportunities to provide innovative and cost-effective air and missile defence solutions that enhance Korean homeland defence.”

Sungkyun Park, vice president and business director of Hanwha Systems’ defence electronics division, added, “Hanwha is undergoing bold transformation to become a leading global defence company. Our partnership reflects our ambition to lead the development of next-generation weapon systems and strengthen our position in the global market.”