Hanwha Systems is partnering with the Korea Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to develop an AI-based next-generation 5G tactical communication system. The initiative aims to integrate civilian communication technology into military networks, enhancing the operational capabilities of the South Korean military and facilitating entry into the global defense market.
On August 13, Hanwha Systems announced its strategic collaboration with TTA to develop the AI-based 5G tactical communication system. The two organizations will create a next-generation military communication network that seamlessly integrates 5G terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) using AI technology. The plan includes adapting civilian 5G communication technology for military use and ensuring compliance with global standards for international applicability.
This collaboration will leverage Hanwha Systems' expertise in military communication system development and TTA's capabilities in global civilian communication standardization and testing certification.
From the early stages of development, the two organizations plan to incorporate 3GPP-based civilian 5G and 6G technologies, as well as NATO communication standards. This strategy aims to ensure interoperability and compatibility between commercial and military communications, laying the groundwork for entry into the global defense market, particularly in Europe and NATO member countries. Additionally, they will develop integrated communication solution technologies to support multi-layer tactical communications for vehicles and other platforms.
Hanwha Systems has been involved in the development of the Tactical Information Communication Network (TICN), which serves as the backbone of the South Korean military's tactical communications, since its exploratory development in 2007, through system development in 2010, to its recent operational deployment. The company possesses unique practical know-how, from analyzing military requirements tailored to harsh battlefield environments to system development and operational maintenance.
TTA is a specialized organization that conducts standardization and international certification testing for mobile communication technologies, including LTE, 5G, and 6G. It has participated in the International Telecommunication Union (3GPP) for over 30 years, building expertise in global communication standardization and testing certification systems.
A Hanwha Systems official stated, "The advancement of military communications is a key capability that will determine the outcome of future battles. We will continue to collaborate with TTA to enhance the South Korean military's hyper-connected tactical communication network and improve our responsiveness to international standardization trends."
Meanwhile, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration reviewed and approved a revised basic strategy for the performance upgrade of the public communication radio (SATURN) project during the Defense Acquisition Promotion Committee meeting in June. SATURN is the next-generation public communication standard operated by NATO.
The South Korean military is investing over 2 trillion won from 2022 to 2032 to upgrade the performance of public communication radios for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to the SATURN standard, aiming to enhance interoperability for joint operations with the United States.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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