SEOUL, November 25 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Systems has opened a new production complex in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, following a 2.8 trillion won (approximately $2.1 billion) investment aimed at expanding its next-generation defense and electronic systems capabilities.
The company said Tuesday that a completion ceremony was held at the site, with CEO Son Jae-il, local government officials, lawmakers, military officials, and partners among the 250 attendees.
The expansion doubles the Gumi site to 89,000 square meters and is intended to strengthen South Korea’s defense industrial base while supporting rising global demand for advanced military systems.
The new facility includes a cleanroom dedicated to precision manufacturing of electro-optical systems, radar components, and naval combat equipment. Hanwha Systems expects the plant to serve as a core export base and a center for technological innovation.
In naval systems, the company plans to accelerate development of AI-enabled technologies, including automated engagement systems, autonomous vessel navigation, and intelligent propulsion control — critical capabilities for future unmanned platforms.
The Gumi plant will produce multifunction radars and advanced combat systems, both key export categories for Hanwha Systems.
The company has secured several major overseas contracts in recent years, including a $1.3 billion agreement with the UAE in 2022, a $1.2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia in 2024, and an $860 million contract with Iraq this year. It is also expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, supplying combat systems to 13 vessels in the Philippine Navy.
“The Gumi facility is meaningful not only for Hanwha Systems but for the local community,” CEO Son said. “It will support economic revitalization, create quality jobs, and serve as a strategic base for the sustainable growth of Korea’s defense industry.”
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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