Hanwha showcases unmanned and AI capabilities at BSDA 2026 to advance European partnerships

Hanwha’s key defense affiliates  Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems  will highlight their next-generation unmanned capabilities at the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2026, as it accelerates its European localization strategy and expands its footprint across EU and NATO markets. 

Hanwha will join the biennial exposition, one of the largest defense exhibitions in the Balkans, taking place from May 13 to 15 at ROMAERO in Bucharest. 

Under the theme “Built with Romania, Ready for NATO,” Hanwha Aerospace will put forward its next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) systems alongside a full lineup of integrated land and air defense solutions, demonstrating its ability to respond to Europe’s rapidly evolving security environment and rearmament efforts. 

Hanwha Systems will showcase AI-based satellite data analytics solutions supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, and battle damage assessment, alongside naval capabilities including the Smart Battleship (SBS) concept and next-generation mine countermeasure solutions tailored to the Black Sea security environment.

Multi-mission unmanned solutions 

At the center of Hanwha Aerospace’s presence at BSDA 2026 is its UGV capability portfolio, featuring the GRound UNcrewed Transport (GRUNT) wheeled platform and THeMIS-K tracked system. GRUNT is an upgraded variant of Hanwha Aerospace’s indigenous 6x6 wheeled UGV platform, Arion-SMET, featuring a payload capacity of over 900 kg and an operational range of approximately 290 km. It can be equipped with systems such as a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), counter-battery detection, and automatic target tracking, enabling a wide range of missions including ammunition and logistics transport, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance, and combat support. 

THeMIS, a combat-proven tracked UGV developed by Milrem Robotics, is a tracked UGV platform with a payload capacity of up to 1,200 kg and a hybrid propulsion system, designed to support modular mission configurations. It can integrate various payloads including weapon systems, surveillance equipment, and logistics modules, and is capable of stable mobility in rugged and obstacle-rich environments. 

The two companies are also advancing joint development of localized variants tailored to Korean and Romanian operational requirements, combining Hanwha’s wheeled UGV capabilities with Milrem’s tracked platform expertise. 

The UGV showcase comes as European armed forces increasingly prioritize unmanned systems as force multipliers. The Romanian Armed Forces are also looking to acquire advanced UGVs across diverse operational roles.

To address these evolving needs, Hanwha Aerospace is pursuing a Romania-tailored UGV solution in collaboration with Milrem Robotics, emphasizing an integrated approach that combines wheeled and tracked platforms to enable flexibility across terrains, mission types, and operational concepts, including manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). 

Integrated multi-domain capabilities 

Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems will present a comprehensive range of advanced defense systems, demonstrating full-spectrum, multi-domain operational capability. 

Key exhibits include: 

• Artillery Systems: K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzer (Hanwha Aerospace)
• Armored Vehicles: Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle; TIGON Wheeled Armored Vehicle (Hanwha Aerospace)
• Precision Fires: Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch System (Hanwha Aerospace)
• Air Defense: Layered air defense and counter-UAS solutions, including laser-based systems (Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems)
• Space: AI-powered ISR and satellite-based data solutions (Hanwha Systems)
• Naval Solutions: Smart Battleship (SBS) and Mine Disposal System (Hanwha Systems)

From K9 success to European expansion 

Building on the successful implementation of its K9 TUNET Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) program in Romania, Hanwha Aerospace is advancing localization through the establishment of an in-country production base. 

The company is constructing the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) Europe in Dâmbovița County. Scheduled to become operational in 2027, this marks Hanwha’s first production base in the European Union. The facility will support Romania’s K9 program while serving as a production base for future regional demand, with capabilities spanning manufacturing, testing, maintenance, and workforce training. 

Hanwha Aerospace continues to expand its footprint across Europe, building strong partnerships across key markets including Romania, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Spain. 

“As Europe accelerates rearmament and adapts to evolving security challenges, Hanwha Aerospace aims to support this transformation through localized production, integrated systems, and future-ready technologies,” said Hanwha Aerospace Romania CEO Lino Lim. “This enhances interoperability and supply chain resilience across the EU and NATO.”

For more information, visit Booth C1109, C Hall at BSDA 2026.

About Hanwha Aerospace 

Hanwha Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced defense, aerospace, and industrial solutions with a global footprint across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Its portfolio covers land, sea, air, and space domains, including artillery systems, armored vehicles, precision-guided munitions, aircraft engines, satellites, and space launch technologies. 

As a core affiliate of Hanwha Group, the fifth largest business enterprise, Hanwha Aerospace is dedicated to strengthening global partnerships through localization, co-production, and technology transfer. 

For more information, visit: https://www.hanwhaaerospace.com

About Hanwha Systems 

Hanwha Systems is a global defense electronics and ICT solutions company specializing in advanced sensors, command-and-control systems, radar, avionics, space, maritime, and cybersecurity technologies. As a core affiliate of Hanwha Group, the company delivers integrated capabilities across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains to support defense modernization and digital transformation worldwide.

Its portfolio includes AESA radars, tactical communications, naval combat systems, satellite technologies, ISR solutions, and AI-driven data analytics. Hanwha Systems is also expanding into low-earth orbit satellite communications, unmanned systems, and next-generation digital technologies to enhance multi-domain operational effectiveness and global connectivity. 

For more information, visit: www.hanwhasystems.com