Hanwha Group chairman calls for 'irreplaceable' defense AI capabilities

Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn urged employees Tuesday to build "unrivaled defense AI capabilities that no one can replace," as he toured the group's facilities to assess its future defense technology competitiveness.

Kim visited Hanwha Systems' facility in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, where he received briefings on business operations and inspected the advanced defense product manufacturing systems. The visit marks his second on-site management trip this year, following a January visit to the Jeju Space Center. Senior Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan and Hanwha Systems CEO Yang Ki-won also joined him.

Hanwha Systems completed a new facility at the Gumi site last December, investing about 280 billion won ($202 million) to more than double its footprint to 89,100 square meters. The facility houses a cleanroom of approximately 4,950 square meters — the largest in South Korea's defense industry — along with advanced production and testing equipment.

During the visit, Kim first toured the assembly and testing area for the multifunction radar, the core sensor of the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system and one of South Korea's leading defense export items. Hanwha Systems exports the Cheongung-II multifunction radar to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Kim also reviewed an AI-based integrated air defense system that Hanwha Systems is currently developing.

He then visited a large near-field test facility used to precisely measure radar antenna performance, examining the testing and verification capabilities for key radar systems including the Cheongung multifunction radar and the KF-21 active electronically scanned array radar. He also inspected a cockpit-type integrated bridge system — the first of its kind developed domestically for naval applications by Hanwha Systems.

Kim also joined employees for lunch, taking time to offer encouragement and engage in open conversation. "The Gumi facility has grown into an export base and hub of technological innovation for Hanwha's defense business as it reaches out to global markets," he said. "What you create is not simply equipment or software — it is the force that connects and drives all of Hanwha's defense capabilities as one, and the foundation that upholds South Korea's national security."

He said AI is the key factor determining the competitiveness of Hanwha Group's defense business, with Hanwha Systems at its center. "Hanwha Systems connects the core capabilities of land, sea, air and space — built by Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Ocean — through an AI command-and-control system, making it the brain and nervous system of Hanwha's defense operations," he said.

Kim also expressed confidence in Hanwha Systems' role as the group's center for defense AI and systems integration. "I hope you will build unrivaled defense AI capabilities that no one can replace," he said.

He stressed the importance of workplace safety. "Great achievements begin with safety — there is no future without it," he said. "The spirit of safety first will protect you and your families on the factory floor, and protect your comrades and your country on the battlefield."

Kim closed by telling employees that each of them represents Hanwha Systems' competitiveness and the future of Hanwha's defense business. "I hope you will take on challenges with a great sense of responsibility and pride," he said.

In the facility's guestbook, Kim wrote: "Hanwha Systems, the starting point of K-defense AI innovation, is building the future of South Korea's self-reliant national defense."