South Korea's DAPA, Hanwha Systems to Upgrade Satellite-Based Air Defense Warning System

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), led by Director Seok Jong-geon, announced a 44.7 billion won ($2.7 million) contract with Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd. to implement a "Minor Performance Improvement Project for the Satellite-Based Air Defense Warning System."

This project, described as a "minor improvement" due to its limited effect on the system's operational concept, will focus on updating key components to improve air defense warning system capabilities for the South Korean military.

South Korea's existing satellite-based air defense warning system was initially deployed in 2015. The system operates via satellites ANASIS-2 and Mugunghwa-5A to transmit real-time air threat warnings to military units, covering threats like enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. As part of this new performance enhancement initiative, DAPA and Hanwha Systems will replace outdated equipment, such as controllers and terminals, that form the core of the current system. Additional upgrades include operating system (OS) security enhancements and improvements in threat warning transmission speed.

Hanwha Systems is tasked with delivering the upgraded air defense system sequentially across all South Korean military branches starting in 2026.