Hanwha Aerospace Accelerates Localization of Air-to-Air Missiles: "Korean Meteor" Challenge

Hanwha Aero Hosts Tech Academy

Introduction of "Ducted Ramjet Propulsion System"

Advancing Guided Artillery Shells... Further Export Opportunities Expected

Hanwha Aerospace has begun developing a domestically produced guided missile to rival the "Meteor," which is considered the world's highest-performing long-range air-to-air missile. By accelerating the development of the ducted ramjet propulsion system, the company aims to reduce dependence on overseas suppliers for aerial weaponry, thereby simultaneously strengthening self-reliant national defense capabilities and the competitiveness of defense exports.

On the 29th, at the Hanwha Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, Jung Tae Jo, Team Leader of Propellant and Ammunition Team 1 at Hanwha Aerospace, explained the "Ducted Ramjet Propulsion System" during the "Hanwha Aerospace Tech Academy 2026." Hanwha Aerospace

On April 29, Hanwha Aerospace held the "Hanwha Tech Academy 2026" event at the Hanwha Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, where it released the current status and future plans for developing core technologies for the localization of aerial weaponry.

Bokgi Cho, Head of System Integration Team 1 at the PGM Research Institute of Hanwha Aerospace, stated, "A long-range air-to-air missile must be able to detect and strike the enemy first, with greater distance, speed, and accuracy. The Meteor, currently the best long-range air-to-air missile, is a guided missile equipped with a ducted ramjet propulsion system. Our long-range air-to-air guided missile will also incorporate a ducted ramjet propulsion system aimed at even higher performance."

The ducted ramjet propulsion system is a missile propulsion technology that generates thrust by burning solid fuel using air ingested during flight. Since it does not require a separate oxidizer, it allows for extended range, rapid acceleration, and the maintenance of high speeds.

Over the past 20 years, Hanwha Aerospace has successfully conducted key research in the field of ducted ramjet propulsion systems in partnership with the Agency for Defense Development, securing core technologies in this area. In particular, Hanwha Aerospace is noted for being the only company in Korea capable of producing the oxidizer, a key raw material for solid propellant, which is considered a competitive advantage.

On the 29th, at the Hanwha Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, models of the "Korean Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile," "Ballistic Control Fuse," and "Precision Guided Projectile" were exhibited at the "Hanwha Aerospace Tech Academy 2026." Hanwha Aerospace

The company is also advancing its cutting-edge artillery technologies, including the 155mm precision-guided projectile and ballistic control fuse used in the K9 self-propelled howitzer. The development of new projectiles and ballistic control fuses is intended to enable rapid response to changing military requirements and to facilitate ammunition exports to countries that have adopted the K9 self-propelled howitzer.

The precision-guided projectile is an intelligent munition capable of accurately striking key enemy facilities with a small amount of ammunition. It is equipped with an integrated navigation system combining a global positioning system (GPS) and an inertial navigation system (INS), a guidance control device, and tail fins. This allows for pinpoint strikes on critical targets, similar to a missile, using only a limited quantity of ammunition.

The ballistic control fuse is a technology that increases the accuracy of projectiles by adjusting their trajectory in flight based on GPS data. By correcting ballistic errors in real time during flight, it maximizes accuracy. Additionally, existing ammunition can be upgraded for use by replacing the fuse with a ballistic control fuse, enhancing usability.

Jeonghun Kim, Team Leader of Propellant and Ammunition Team 2 at the PGM Research Institute, said, "The advancement of artillery projectiles not only increases the survivability of our forces but also reduces ammunition consumption. We plan to check the operation of the drive unit and guidance computer through a live fire test in the near future."

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