[Exclusive] Hanwha Aerospace Wins Multipurpose Unmanned Vehicle Contract... Leading the Unmanned Market [Yang Nakkyu's Defence Club]

Decision Made by DAPA Subcommittee
First Mass Production of Unmanned Ground Systems

Hanwha Aerospace has been selected as the contractor for the multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle program, a core element of the Army's future capabilities. Given the symbolic significance of being the first mass production of a ground unmanned weapon system and its export potential, this decision is expected to have a significant impact for the defense company that has secured the contract.

According to government officials, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a meeting of the Defense Project Planning and Management Subcommittee at 2 p.m. on July 16 and designated Hanwha Aerospace as the contractor for the multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle. The multipurpose unmanned vehicle is a key component of the Army's future power structure, known as "Army Tiger 4.0." It can be used for surveillance and guard duties, logistics transport, evacuation of wounded soldiers, and even direct combat support. Furthermore, with autonomous driving technology, these vehicles can be deployed to dangerous areas in place of soldiers.

Hanwha Aerospace's Arion-SMET

Hanwha Aerospace vs. Hyundai Rotem: Fierce Competition

The companies that participated in the competition have been Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem. Each has promoted its model, with Hanwha Aerospace entering "Arion-SMET" and Hyundai Rotem presenting the "HR-SHERPA." The project size is 50 billion won, which is not especially large, but the industry emphasized the significance and influence of being the first in mass-production. The winner can gain an advantageous position in developing next-generation unmanned systems and potentially secure export opportunities as well.

Debate Among Companies Over the Results of Physical Evaluation

The fierce competition led to intense debate. DAPA decided to evaluate the models based on the real-world assessment results. Hyundai Rotem insisted that if the product’s actual performance exceeded the numbers proposed in its submission, that improved performance should be fully acknowledged. In contrast, Hanwha Aerospace argued that the submitted figures should serve as an upper limit. As concerns grew over possible delays in force integration, Hyundai Rotem eventually reversed its stance in early April and agreed to participate in the evaluation. This allowed the project to move forward to the current phase, where the model selection was finalized.

An official from DAPA stated, "The multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle program has proceeded fairly and transparently in accordance with relevant laws and procedures. We will ensure all related procedures are carried out without further delays."

Unmanned Ground Weapon Market Set for 190% Growth by 2030

Export prospects are also bright. According to global market research firm Global Information, the global market for unmanned ground systems is projected to grow by more than 190%, from approximately 6.6 trillion won last year to 19 trillion won in 2035. The civilian market for these vehicles is also expanding. Market research firm Market and Market estimated that the North American automated guided vehicle (AGV) market was valued at 720 million dollars last year, is expected to reach 770 million dollars this year, and will rise to 1.28 billion dollars by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. In particular, the U.S. market is projected to record a high growth rate of 9.1%.

Ukraine is currently operating ground robot units composed of tracked and wheeled unmanned ground vehicles in active combat, conducting thousands of missions each month. Following the transformative impact of aerial drones in the Ukraine war, ground robots are now emerging as a potential new axis for future ground warfare. Ground robots have evolved not only to support forces by delivering supplies and ammunition and evacuating the wounded but also to carry out defensive operations and even capture prisoners. They are now being evaluated as a new strategic asset in modern warfare. The Ukrainian military plans to produce 50,000 ground robots this year, more than double its production from last year.

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