Hanwha Systems Teams Up with Seoul National and Sungkyunkwan Universities for Defense Semiconductor Development

Joint Development of Core Chips for Radar and Satellite Communications Begins
Building a Semiconductor Value Chain from Design to Commercialization

On the 15th, Hanwha Systems announced that it held the "Defense Semiconductor Technology Workshop" with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University and signed detailed contracts for the development of semiconductor chips for applications such as radar, seekers, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, satellite and tactical communications, and high-power microwave (HPM) systems.

After establishing the "Defense Semiconductor Joint Research Center" with the two universities in March, Hanwha Systems stated that this workshop and the newly signed contracts will accelerate strategic cooperation and technology development.

Hanwha Systems held a "Defense Semiconductor Technology Workshop" with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University on the 15th and signed a detailed contract for the development of defense semiconductor chips. (From left) Younggu Yang, Director of the Defense Space Semiconductor Joint R&D Center at Sungkyunkwan University; Jongwoo Kwak, Director of the Basic Research Institute at Hanwha Systems; and Hyukjae Lee, Director of the Defense Space Semiconductor Joint Research Project Group at Seoul National University. Hanwha Systems

Hanwha Systems and each joint research center held in-depth discussions on the development of key semiconductor chips during the workshop and agreed on medium- to long-term objectives for the localization of defense semiconductors. The parties also explored ways to maximize the effectiveness of research investments through close cooperation between industry and academia.

Detailed development contracts were also concluded between Hanwha Systems and each research center. In addition, Hanwha Systems announced plans to review the introduction of a foundry process capable of mass-producing defense semiconductors. The strategy aims to secure proprietary technology in defense semiconductors and drive global exports.

Hanwha Systems and the Seoul National University Joint Research Center will begin developing a "high-linearity semiconductor chip for satellite terminals" that minimizes signal distortion and interruptions during data transmission and reception between space and ground. High-linearity semiconductor chip technology is considered one of the key technologies that enables enhanced quality of space-to-ground communications and the miniaturization and weight reduction of equipment such as satellite communication terminals.

Hanwha Systems and Seoul National University plan to break away from dependence on overseas sources and bolster technology sovereignty by jointly developing "space and defense communication semiconductors," which are subject to strict export control from advanced countries. The companies also aim to establish overwhelming competitive advantages for Korean defense industries within the global space and defense industry ecosystem.

Hanwha Systems intends to internalize the secured technologies and sequentially apply the developed semiconductors to satellite terminals from this year through 2028. After 2028, the application will be expanded to low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication payloads and next-generation communication base stations.

Hanwha Systems and the Sungkyunkwan University Joint Research Center will focus on securing technology for the design of "monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC)." MMIC integrates various essential components required for radar transmission and reception, such as signal amplification and conversion, into a single, fingertip-sized semiconductor chip (one-chip technology).

This technique dramatically reduces both size and weight compared to conventional methods, while maximizing radar performance, making it a critical technology for AESA radars and small satellites, which are central in Korea's defense industry.

Hanwha Systems expects this industry-academia collaboration to enable the internalization of key semiconductor components, which have long relied on overseas sources, and to establish a foundation for swift responses to the rapidly changing requirements of modern warfare.

Jongwoo Kwak, Head of the Basic Research Institute at Hanwha Systems, stated, "Our collaboration with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University goes beyond simple technology development to building a virtuous value chain that leads from design and verification to expansion and commercialization of defense semiconductors. Based on the proprietary technologies we secure, we will maximize the performance of next-generation weapon systems and solidify our leadership in the global defense market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.