Northrop Grumman and Hanwha have signed an MoU in connection with Korea’s Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) programme.
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Press Release, Melbourne FL, 20 February 2025: Northrop Grumman Corporation and Hanwha have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in connection with the Republic of Korea’s Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) programme. The agreement supports Northrop Grumman’s longstanding industrial cooperation with the Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration and defines the work that Hanwha will perform as a supplier.
- This MoU follows Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) 2023 contract for Northrop Grumman to provide Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) solutions and technical support for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Design phase of the Republic of Korea’s KMCH programme.
- Under the agreement, Hanwha will support the manufacturing of ALMDS hardware components.
- To date, Northrop Grumman has delivered ALMDS units to the US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman: “Industry collaborations with companies such as Hanwha and KAI are key to Northrop Grumman’s approach to technology development across the globe. Our team is committed to delivering advanced solutions to meet the security needs of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.”
Details: Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 ALMDS detects, classifies and locates floating and near-surface moored mines. Mounted onto a variety of helicopter platforms, the system is capable of untethered day or night operations, which allow it to attain high area search rates. ALMDS also provides accurate target geo-location to support follow-on neutralisation of the detected mines. Northrop Grumman’s support of the KMCH programme leverages the company’s extensive systems integration and digital engineering expertise.
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