Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems are showcasing their next-generation unmanned capabilities at BSDA 2026 in Romania.
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Press Release, Bucharest, 12 May 2026: Hanwha’s key defence affiliates – Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems – will highlight their next-generation unmanned capabilities at the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2026, as it accelerates its European localisation strategy and expands its footprint across EU and NATO markets.
Hanwha will join the biennial exposition, one of the largest defence exhibitions in the Balkans, taking place from May 13 to 15 at ROMAERO in Bucharest. Under the theme ‘Built with Romania, Ready for NATO‘, Hanwha Aerospace will put forward its next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) systems alongside a full line-up of integrated land and air defence solutions, demonstrating its ability to respond to Europe’s rapidly evolving security environment and rearmament efforts.
Hanwha Systems will showcase AI-based satellite data analytics solutions supporting ISR, targeting, and battle damage assessment, alongside naval capabilities including the Smart Battleship (SBS) concept and next-generation mine countermeasure solutions tailored to the Black Sea security environment.
Multi-Mission Unmanned Solutions: At the centre of Hanwha Aerospace’s presence at BSDA 2026 is its UGV capability portfolio, featuring the GRUNT (GRound UNcrewed Transport) wheeled platform and the THeMIS-K tracked system. GRUNT is an upgraded variant of Hanwha Aerospace’s indigenous 6×6 wheeled UGV platform, Arion-SMET, featuring a payload capacity of over 900kg and an operational range of approximately 290km. It can be equipped with systems such as a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), counter-battery detection, and automatic target tracking, enabling a wide range of missions including ammunition and logistics transport, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance, and combat support.
THeMIS, a combat-proven tracked UGV developed by Milrem Robotics, is a tracked UGV platform with a payload capacity of up to 1,200kg and a hybrid propulsion system, designed to support modular mission configurations. It can integrate various payloads including weapon systems, surveillance equipment, and logistics modules, and is capable of stable mobility in rugged and obstacle-rich environments.
The two companies are also advancing joint development of localised variants tailored to Korean and Romanian operational requirements, combining Hanwha’s wheeled UGV capabilities with Milrem’s tracked platform expertise. The UGV showcase comes as European armed forces increasingly prioritise unmanned systems as force multipliers. The Romanian Armed Forces are also looking to acquire advanced UGVs across diverse operational roles. To address these evolving needs, Hanwha Aerospace is pursuing a Romania-tailored UGV solution in collaboration with Milrem Robotics, emphasising an integrated approach that combines wheeled and tracked platforms to enable flexibility across terrain, mission types, and operational concepts, including manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
Integrated Multi-Domain Capabilities: Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems will present a comprehensive range of advanced defence systems, demonstrating full-spectrum, multi-domain operational capability. Key exhibits include:
- Artillery Systems: K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzer (Hanwha Aerospace)
- Armoured Vehicles: Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle; TIGON Wheeled Armoured Vehicle (Hanwha Aerospace)
- Precision Fires: Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch System (Hanwha Aerospace)
- Air Defense: Layered air defence and counter-UAS solutions, including laser-based systems (Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems)
- Space: AI-powered ISR and satellite-based data solutions (Hanwha Systems)
- Naval Solutions: Smart Battleship (SBS) and Mine Disposal System (Hanwha Systems)
From K9 Success to European Expansion: Building on the successful implementation of its K9 TUNET Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) program in Romania, Hanwha Aerospace is advancing localisation through the establishment of an in-country production base. The company is constructing the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence Europe (H-ACE Europe) in Dâmbovița County, scheduled to become operational in 2027, marking Hanwha’s first production base in the European Union. The facility will support Romania’s K9 programme while serving as a production base for future regional demand, with capabilities spanning manufacturing, testing, maintenance, and workforce training. Hanwha Aerospace continues to expand its footprint across Europe, building strong partnerships across key markets including Romania, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Spain.
Lino Lim, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania, said: “As Europe accelerates rearmament and adapts to evolving security challenges, Hanwha Aerospace aims to support this transformation through localised production, integrated systems, and future-ready technologies enhancing interoperability and supply chain resilience across the EU and NATO.”
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