Hanwha Systems Wins 210 Billion KRW Tactical Data Link Contract

Scheduled for Completion in 2029
Real-Time Sharing of Target Information

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Hanwha Systems is embarking on domestic research and development of a new tactical data link (Link-22) to respond to future network-centric warfare (NCW) and enhance the Korea-US combined operational capabilities. This system is being adopted by NATO member countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Hanwha Systems announced on the 20th that it has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration worth approximately 209.5 billion KRW for the 'Combined Maritime Tactical Data Link 22 Ship and Land 16-Type System Development Project.'

Maritime tactical data links are digital communication networks that share and transmit target information detected in real-time by surface ships, submarines, and aircraft across maritime, underwater, and aerial domains. They effectively link surveillance, command and control, and strike systems to enable allied forces to conduct organic operations in anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and ballistic missile defense.

Link-22 is characterized by applying new encryption equipment to the existing Link-11 used by the U.S. Navy, enhancing anti-jamming capabilities and extending communication range.

Hanwha Systems plans to develop the core Link-22 components, including the data link processor and network control software domestically, and integrate combined encryption equipment, modems, and communication devices. The project will start next year targeting 16 types of platforms including the Navy’s land-based operational command, fleet command, training command, frigates, destroyers, submarines, and support vessels. After system development, mass production is scheduled to be completed by 2029.

Hanwha Systems supplies all combat management systems (CMS) for various surface and underwater vessels of the Republic of Korea Navy, including high-speed combat ships, large amphibious support ships, training ships, destroyers, frigates, and submarines, possessing capabilities in ship standardization and modular design.

Seongcheol Uh, CEO of Hanwha Systems, stated, "As the developer of the complete Korean Joint Tactical Data Link System (JTDLS), Hanwha Systems is already developing the data link processor, a core function of Link-22, based on our tactical data link development expertise. As the only domestic company capable of performing Korea-US tactical data link system integration and interoperability testing, we will maximize the Navy’s operational capabilities and demonstrate the reliability and excellent performance of K-defense industry through our unique position in the domestic and international tactical data link field."

On the 16th, Hanwha Systems also signed a contract for overseas technology cooperation and production of a customized long-range ‘HF communication device’ worth approximately 21 billion KRW, one of the Link-22 system components.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.