South Korea Expands Radar and Combat System Production
South Korea’s Hanwha Systems has opened a major new defense manufacturing complex in Gumi, unveiling a large-scale expansion aimed at strengthening its radar and combat systems production capacity as exports continue to grow.
The company held a completion ceremony on Tuesday for the new site, which was built with an investment of 2.8 trillion won (about $1.9 billion). According to Hanwha Systems, the facility brings together next-generation defense and electronics technology under one roof, forming what the company describes as an advanced production base for its domestic and international programs.
The new complex more than doubles the footprint of the firm’s previous Gumi plant. Hanwha Systems said it moved operations from its earlier 45,000 m² site to a newly developed 89,000 m² property, allowing for wider production lines, updated equipment, and expanded research capabilities.
In a statement, the company said the new facility is equipped with “production lines and modern systems that concentrate Hanwha Systems’ core technologies,” enabling larger-scale development and manufacturing.
A key feature of the site is a 4,950 m² cleanroom, the largest of its kind in South Korea’s defense sector. The area will produce electro-optical products and radar components used across multiple weapons systems.
The facility also includes a 2,310 m² materials management center outfitted with logistics robots and automated processes designed to manage more than 20,000 types of raw materials and advanced defense components.
Hanwha Systems said its new maritime research center in Gumi will support development of future naval technologies, including autonomous engagement, autonomous navigation, intelligent propulsion control, and unmanned ship solutions. The company described this laboratory as a “technology hub” for next-generation maritime power.
Several of Hanwha Systems’ major export items will be built at the new facility. These include multifunction radars (MFR) and combat management systems — products that have already seen growing international demand.
Cheongung-II multifunction radar
Hanwha Systems exported the Cheongung-II multifunction radar to the United Arab Emirates in 2022, Saudi Arabia in 2024, and Iraq this year. The company noted that these exports will be supported by the new production lines.
In addition, Hanwha Systems integrated its domestically developed naval combat systems into two 3,100-ton Philippine patrol vessels in 2022 and six 2,400-ton Philippine coast guard vessels in 2023.
Hanwha Systems CEO Son Jae-il said the Gumi site represents more than a larger factory footprint. “The Hanwha Systems Gumi business site is not merely an expanded production plant but will establish itself as a strategic base that supports the sustainable growth of K-defense,” he said. “It will make practical contributions to revitalizing the regional economy and creating stable, high-quality jobs.”