Hanwha Systems has obtained the rights to fully assemble radios of Collins Aerospace, a U.S. aerospace systems expert, in South Korea through a Complete Knock-Down (CKD) process. This marks the first time Collins Aerospace has permitted the setup of a CKD facility outside of the United States.
On Oct. 19 the company announced that they had signed a licensing production agreement with the global aerospace systems company, Collins Aerospace, to advance the Satellite and Universal Radio New Upgrade (SATURN) project.
The SATURN project aims to equip the Korean military’s army, navy, and air force with next-generation radios by 2023 to counter rapidly evolving jamming technology due to the advancement in wireless communication. Earlier this May, Hanwha Systems secured a project worth 958 billion won (US$705 million) for the SATURN radio performance enhancement.
Under this agreement, Collins Aerospace will transfer production technology and grant a local manufacturing license to Hanwha Systems. This will enable Hanwha Systems to fully assemble the SATURN radio equivalent to that used by the allied forces.
The CKD process involves providing products in individual parts for assembly in local factories of the importing country, necessitating the establishment of local production lines. With this contract, Hanwha Systems aims to secure Collins’ assembly production expertise and further expand its technological capabilities in tactical communications.