Update: Hanwha, BAE Systems partner to build reconnaissance satellite system

A computer-generated imagery of a small SAR satellite developed by Hanwha Systems. Hanwha Systems is partnering with BAE Systems to build a multisensor reconnaissance satellite. (Hanwha Systems)

South Korea's Hanwha Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UK-based BAE Systems to build a multisensor reconnaissance satellite system.

The two companies will collaborate to integrate Hanwha Systems' small synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology with BAE Systems' ultra-wideband radio frequency (RF) sensor technology, Hanwha Systems announced on 10 June.

These technologies will be integrated to build a satellite system that can enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), Hanwha Systems said. “The multisensor satellite system will combine data from both RF and SAR satellites and leverage machine learning (ML) to deliver precise, timely, and high-resolution intelligence,” the company added.

A spokesperson for Hanwha Systems told Janes on 11 June that the development of the multisensor satellite system is scheduled to start from the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, and this will be a low Earth orbit (LEO)-based satellite system.

The spokesperson added that Hanwha Systems has previously supplied SAR payloads for three reconnaissance satellites launched by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) under its Project 425 programme. Project 425, initiated in 2018, aims to launch five reconnaissance satellites into space for the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces by the end of 2025.