Hanwha Systems and Austrian unmanned aircraft specialist Schiebel have begun full-scale development of next-generation Air Communication UAVs designed to improve battlefield communications. The companies held a development kickoff meeting on August 18 at Schiebel’s Korea branch in Jongno-gu, Seoul, formalizing the implementation of their strategic partnership.
The program will integrate Hanwha Systems’ communications and avionics equipment with Schiebel’s unmanned aircraft platform to establish tactical communications networks connecting ground and airborne forces.
Air Communication UAVs Connect Ground and Air Networks
The Air Communication UAVs are being developed to carry a 5G base station and airborne relay communications equipment.
According to the announcement, the aircraft will establish tactical communications networks between ground and airborne operations.
The development program follows an exclusive memorandum of understanding signed by Hanwha Systems and Schiebel in Austria in May.
The companies will focus on integrating Hanwha Systems’ communications and avionics technologies into Schiebel’s unmanned aircraft platform.
Partnership Expands from Naval to Army Applications
The companies plan to expand their cooperation beyond its existing Navy-focused activities to research and development supporting Army operations.
Since 2023, Hanwha Systems has used Schiebel’s S-300 rotary-wing unmanned aircraft for shipborne reconnaissance and Northwest Islands UAV projects supporting the Navy and Marine Corps.
The new program will use data accumulated during those operations to support development of technologies for airborne communications missions during ground maneuver warfare.
According to the companies, using previously verified test data to design Army mission equipment could reduce the time and cost associated with developing a new platform.
5G Technology Supports Battlefield Communications
Hanwha Systems is developing an ultra-small and lightweight 5G radio frequency base station module designed for installation aboard a small unmanned aircraft.
The program will also focus on electronic warfare response capabilities.
Technologies under development include:
- Lightweight 5G RF base station modules
- Airborne relay communications equipment
- High-reliability navigation technology
- Communications network maintenance systems
- Technology designed to maintain aircraft position during enemy jamming
According to Hanwha Systems, these capabilities are intended to improve battlefield survivability and maintain communications during electronic warfare conditions.
Schiebel Brings International UAS Experience
Schiebel is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and maintains an international network supplying unmanned aircraft to more than 40 government and military organizations.
The announcement identified Italy, the United Kingdom and France among the countries where Schiebel systems have been supplied.
The companies intend to continue their mid- and long-term cooperation on next-generation unmanned aircraft technologies.
A Hanwha Systems representative said the partnership is intended to advance next-generation UAV technology while expanding domestic adoption and potential overseas exports of domestically produced avionics equipment.
The Air Communication UAVs program will combine Schiebel’s unmanned aircraft platform with Hanwha Systems’ 5G communications, avionics, navigation and electronic warfare-related technologies to support airborne tactical communications missions.
Source: Press release from Hanwha Systems
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