Hanwha Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with Frankenburg Technologies to jointly develop C-UAS capabilities for next-generation land weapon platforms, the companies said. The agreement was signed on February 9 at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dong-hyeon Kim, head of the Land Systems business group at Hanwha Aerospace, and Kusti Salm, chief executive of Frankenburg Technologies. Under the MOU, the companies will collaborate on the development and integration of C-UAS capabilities, with an initial focus on potential application to Hanwha’s next-generation command armored vehicle.
Hanwha Aerospace will lead system integration of the C-UAS onto its platforms, while Frankenburg Technologies will be responsible for developing guided missiles, launchers, and fire control software. The partnership follows Hanwha’s broader engagement with Estonia’s defense sector, including prior agreements with Estonian companies and exports of the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system.
“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,” Kim said. 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.”
Salm said, “This collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace marks the start of a concrete, large-scale development program.” He added, “Partnering with a global leading company like Hanwha on a next-generation command vehicle underscores the maturity of our missile and C-UAS technologies and our capability to contribute to major defense platforms.”
In addition to development efforts, the companies agreed to jointly pursue export opportunities for the systems in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Hanwha said the agreement deepens its engagement with the Estonian defense ecosystem and supports efforts to improve the protection of future land systems against evolving drone threats.
Image Credit: Frankenburg Technologies.
