Hanwha Systems and UAE EDGE Group Sign Term Sheet for Air Defense Network

The term sheet was signed at EDGE Group’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi on September 15, with Hanwha Systems announcing the agreement on September 17.
Hanwha has already supplied components for South Korea’s Cheongung-II medium-range air-defense system to Middle Eastern markets, including multifunction radars, launchers, launch tubes and munitions.
EDGE Group Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar said the cooperation is aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s “sovereign air defence capabilities” and creating a sustainable framework for industrial cooperation.
Hanwha Systems CEO Yang Ki-won described the agreement as a first step toward combining the two companies’ technologies, capabilities and industrial strengths while identifying additional areas of cooperation.
Hanwha Systems and the UAE's EDGE Group signed a term sheet on September 15 to build an integrated air defense network for the United Arab Emirates. The partnership combines South Korea's advanced missile systems with counter-drone technology and short-range defenses, marking a shift from simple weapons sales to long-term industrial cooperation TipRanks.
The two companies plan to seek government approvals and may establish a UAE-based joint venture for local production and maintenance. The deal aims to strengthen the UAE's defense capabilities while positioning Hanwha as a regional hub for Middle Eastern expansion Korea Joong Ang Daily.
The integrated network would stack South Korea's proven air-defense layers. It combines L-SAM and M-SAM long- and medium-range surface-to-air missiles with Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers and short-range systems Seoul Daily. Counter-drone capabilities round out the architecture to defend against modern airborne threats.
Hanwha has already supplied components for South Korea's Cheongung-II system across the Middle East. Those shipments included multifunction radars, launchers, launch tubes and ammunition TipRanks. The UAE deal expands this foothold into a comprehensive, integrated platform.
EDGE Group CEO Hamad Al Marar called the agreement a way to reinforce the UAE's "sovereign air defence capabilities" while building a sustainable industrial framework Korea Joong Ang Daily. The partnership moves beyond one-off purchases toward shared expertise and domestic production.
Hanwha Systems CEO Yang Ki-won described it as a first step to merge both companies' technologies and strengths. The two will identify additional areas for collaboration beyond the air defense system TipRanks.
Hanwha and EDGE will refine the project in phases and pursue government approvals from both countries. A potential UAE-based joint venture would handle local production, operations and maintenance Seoul Daily. This structure helps build the UAE's domestic defense industrial base.
The partnership strengthens Hanwha's position in the Middle East while giving the UAE cutting-edge, locally-made air defenses. For Hanwha, the region becomes a springboard for broader international expansion KED Global.
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