Frankenburg Technologies and Hanwha Aerospace today announced the launch of a major joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) development program for the Republic of Korea’s next-generation command armoured vehicle, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the World Defense Show in Riyadh.

The collaboration brings together Hanwha Aerospace, one of the world’s leading land-systems primes, and Frankenburg Technologies, a European missile technology company specialising in affordable, mass-manufacturable interceptor systems. Together, the companies will co-develop and integrate a new close-range C-UAS capability designed to protect next-generation land platforms against the rapidly growing drone threat.

The system is being developed under Korea’s Fast-Track R&D (Rapid Demonstration) framework and is currently being reviewed for initial integration into Hanwha’s next-generation command armoured vehicle program. The indicative scope of the program includes approximately 100 launchers and 1,200 guided missiles, with the potential for follow-on production across additional platforms and future international programs.

Under the collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace will lead system integration of the C-UAS into the platform, while Frankenburg Technologies will develop the guided missiles, launchers, and fire-control software, optimised from the outset for cost-effective production, rapid replenishment, and operational scalability.

The parties have also agreed to jointly pursue additional opportunities for these systems in Europe, the Middle East, and South-East Asia, where demand for effective and affordable counter-drone protection of land forces continues to grow.

Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies, said:
“This collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace marks the start of a concrete, large-scale development program. Working with a partner of Hanwha’s global standing on a next-generation command vehicle demonstrates the maturity of our missile and C-UAS technologies and our ability to contribute meaningfully to major defence platforms.”

Dong-hyeon Kim, Head of the LS Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, said:
“This MOU serves as a pivotal opportunity to enhance the survivability and competitiveness of next-generation land weapon systems against the growing threat of drones on the future battlefield.” He added, “Hanwha is committed to contributing to Estonia’s security capabilities and the revitalisation of its defence industry through joint development and technological cooperation across various fields.”

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Kusti Salm on behalf of Frankenburg Technologies and Dong-hyeon Kim on behalf of Hanwha Aerospace. The signing ceremony took place at the World Defense Show in Riyadh and was hosted by H.E. Suh Wook, Advisor and former Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Korea. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, highlighting Estonia’s growing role as a contributor to advanced international defence programs.

About Hanwha Aerospace

Hanwha Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced defence, aerospace, and industrial solutions with a global footprint across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Its portfolio covers land, sea, air, and space domains, including artillery systems, armoured vehicles, precision-guided munitions, aircraft engines, satellites, and space launch technologies. As a core affiliate of Hanwha Group, Hanwha Aerospace is dedicated to strengthening global partnerships through localisation, co-production, and technology transfer.

About Frankenburg Technologies

Frankenburg Technologies is an European defence technology company building affordable, mass-manufacturable missile systems. Operating across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine, the company focuses on changing the economics of missile defence.
Frankenburg brings a manufacturing-first approach to missile defence, combining low-cost, precision-guided interceptor systems with relocatable, sovereign mass production capability. This enables nations to manufacture, replenish, and sustain missile stocks locally, reducing dependence on external supply chains.