Hanwha to Debut L-SAM Missile Defense System at Belgium’s BEDEX Arms Show

Rendering of Hanwha’s booth at the BEDEX 2026 defense exhibition in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo=Hanwha Aerospace]

Hanwha will showcase South Korea’s long-range surface-to-air missile interceptor, known as the L-SAM, at the BEDEX defense exhibition in Belgium, aiming to expand sales in the global market.

Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems said Wednesday they are taking part in BEDEX in Brussels from March 12-14, marking the first participation by a South Korean company.

The exhibition, being held in Belgium for the first time, is set to draw major defense firms including Rheinmetall, KNDS and Raytheon, among other European and global companies.

Hanwha said it is moving early to establish a foothold in Western Europe by exhibiting in Belgium, home to NATO headquarters.

Belgium is pursuing a layered air defense network as a top defense priority. Hanwha Aerospace plans to display the L-SAM interceptor missile and launcher, while Hanwha Systems will exhibit a multifunction radar, the Cheongwang laser air defense weapon and a laser armored vehicle under development.

Often described as a South Korean version of THAAD, the L-SAM is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to hit and destroy ballistic missiles at altitudes above 40 kilometers using a hit-to-kill method. Development was completed in 2024, and mass production began last year.

Hanwha said the system can intercept fast, medium-range ballistic missiles descending from high altitude, enabling rapid response. The company also plans to emphasize its ability to support quick fielding tailored to local requirements as European countries accelerate efforts to strengthen missile defense networks.

Hanwha Aerospace will also introduce the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher to Western European customers. The system’s European operators have expanded beyond Poland to include Estonia and Norway. At the exhibition, Hanwha will display a Chunmoo launcher and four types of guided rockets with ranges of 80 kilometers to 290 kilometers.

“Belgium is a key hub for European security, hosting NATO headquarters and major European Union institutions,” a Hanwha official said. “Building on Hanwha’s standing as a strategic partner to NATO, strengthened through exports such as the K9 self-propelled howitzer, we will actively seek cooperation to present our air defense and ground firepower capabilities in Europe and contribute to strengthening the defense capabilities of NATO member states.”

* This article has been translated by AI.

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