Press Release
• Hanwha Aerospace and Frankenburg Technologies have partnered to co-develop Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) solutions for next-generation land weapon systems, combining Hanwha's system integration capabilities with Frankenburg’s missile and software technology.
• Building on successful K9 and Chunmoo system exports, this agreement deepens Hanwha’s cooperation with the Estonian defense ecosystem to enhance the survivability of next-generation land weapon systems against drone threats.
• A bilateral agreement was reached to jointly pursue further export opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and South-East Asia.
Hanwha Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian defense company specializing in innovative missile systems, to collaborate on the technology and co-development of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for next-generation land weapon systems.
The signing ceremony took place at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attended by Dong-hyeon Kim, Head of the Land Systems (LS) Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, and Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies.
Under this agreement, the two companies will closely cooperate on the joint development and technological integration of C-UAS equipment. The system is currently being reviewed for initial application to Hanwha’s next-generation command armored vehicle under development. According to the terms of the collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace will be responsible for the system integration of the C-UAS into the platforms, while Frankenburg Technologies will develop the guided missiles, launchers, and fire control software.
This partnership marks a continued expansion of Hanwha Aerospace’s cooperation with the Estonian defense industry. Beginning with the signing of an MOU with Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) developer, Hanwha has signed MOUs with various Estonian companies, including Nortal, SensusQ, MARUDUK, and Go Craft. The company plans to further broaden this cooperation into diverse fields such as Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and ammunition production.
Hanwha Aerospace has steadily built trust with Estonia, beginning with the supply of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers in 2020 and the Chunmoo System in late 2025. Leveraging this solid relationship, Hanwha aims to actively contribute to strengthening Estonia’s defense capabilities by proposing its advanced solutions for Estonia’s upcoming infantry fighting vehicle modernization program.
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 revitalization of its defense industry through joint development and technological cooperation across various fields."
Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies, said, “This collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace marks the start of a concrete, large-scale development program. Partnering with a global leading company like Hanwha on a next-generation command vehicle demonstrates the maturity of our missile and C-UAS technologies and our ability to contribute meaningfully to major defense platforms.”
The two companies also agreed to jointly pursue additional opportunities for these systems within the territories of Europe, the Middle East, and South-East Asia.
About Hanwha Aerospace
Hanwha Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced defense, 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, armored 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 localization, co-production, and technology transfer.
About Frankenburg Technologies
Frankenburg Technologies is an Estonian defense technology company at the forefront of counter-unmanned systems and next-generation military solutions. The company develops scalable, combat-relevant C-UAS technologies designed to address the evolving challenges of modern and future operational environments.
