Hanwha Systems announces that it has signed an MoU with BAE Systems to jointly develop an advanced multi-sensor satellite system.
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Press Release, Seoul, 10 June 2025: Hanwha Systems, a leading South Korean defence and aerospace technology company, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems, the UK’s premier defence and security company, to jointly develop an advanced multi-sensor satellite system.
This collaboration will look to integrate BAE Systems’ ultra-wideband Radio Frequency (RF) sensor technology with Hanwha Systems’ cutting-edge small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite capabilities. Together, the two companies will explore the creation of a powerful space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance solution and strengthen their competitiveness in the global satellite market.
The multi-sensor satellite system will combine data from both RF and SAR satellites and leverage machine learning to deliver precise, timely, and high-resolution intelligence. By fusing different types of satellite data, the system is expected to significantly enhance situational awareness and offer a formidable space-based surveillance asset.
Rachael Hoyle, Space Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence said: “Bringing together our pedigree in space with Hanwha Systems’ expertise in SAR satellites represents an exciting opportunity to progress ISR capabilities from space for international markets. We’re looking forwards to building this relationship and advancing space technologies together.”
Sung-Chan Song, Head of the Space Division, Hanwha Systems said: “Small SAR satellites are becoming increasingly recognised as invaluable resources for surveillance and reconnaissance. Hanwha Systems is proud to collaborate with BAE Systems and as we looks to further expand our presence in the global satellite market.”
Hanwha Systems is the provider of the SAR payload for the 425 Project, South Korea’s first military reconnaissance satellite program. In December 2023, the company successfully launched a 1-metre resolution small SAR satellite developed entirely with domestic technology, demonstrating its leadership in civilian-led Earth observation and surveillance capabilities. Hanwha is also participating in Korea’s first low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellite development project, led by the Agency for Defense Development, and is actively contributing to the creation of an independent military satellite constellation.
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Press Release, London, 10 June 2025: BAE Systems and Hanwha Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop technology and collaborative working to deliver a multi-sensor satellite system for international markets.
The companies will look to work together to combine BAE Systems’ ultra-wide band Radio Frequency (RF) sensors and Hanwha Systems’ space domain expertise in next generation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to create an advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.
The ambition is to explore the creation of a system that will use a range of sensors to collect RF and SAR data, which will be analysed by machine learning using on-board edge processors to deliver derived insights and intelligence securely.
Rachael Hoyle, Space Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, said: “Bringing together our pedigree in space with Hanwha Systems’ expertise in SAR satellites represents an exciting opportunity to progress ISR capabilities from space for international markets. We’re looking forwards to building this relationship and advancing space technologies together.”
Sung-Chan Song, Head of the Space Division, Hanwha Systems, said: “Small SAR satellites are becoming increasingly recognised as invaluable resources for surveillance and reconnaissance. Hanwha Systems is proud to collaborate with BAE Systems as we look to further expand our presence in the global satellite market.”
BAE Systems expects to launch its first low Earth orbit cluster of satellites in 2025. Known as Azalea the mission will boost domestic and international markets’ ability to understand the threats and hazards in, from and through space. To deliver this, it works collaboratively with a range of partners around the globe.
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