Hanwha and Frankenburg signed a memorandum of understanding during World Defense Show 2026 to jointly develop counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities for next-generation land platforms, marking a new phase in bilateral defense technology cooperation.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaborative development and integration of advanced counter-drone systems designed to enhance the survivability of future armored and command vehicles against evolving aerial threats.
Joint Development Framework
Under the partnership, Hanwha will lead system integration efforts, incorporating C-UAS capabilities into land platforms currently under development, while Frankenburg will provide guided missiles, launchers, and fire-control software.
The system is already being reviewed for potential integration into a next-generation command armored vehicle, signaling a move toward operational deployment rather than conceptual development.
Expanding Industrial Cooperation
The MoU builds on Hanwha’s growing defense ties with Estonia’s technology sector. Previous agreements with multiple Estonian firms have covered unmanned ground vehicles, digital systems, and defense software, and the company intends to broaden cooperation into areas such as unmanned surface platforms and ammunition production.
Hanwha’s relationship with Estonia dates back to the delivery of K9 self-propelled howitzers in 2020 and the Chunmoo system in 2025, establishing a foundation of trust that has enabled further industrial collaboration.
Strategic Export Outlook
Both companies confirmed plans to jointly pursue export opportunities for future C-UAS solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, indicating that the partnership is intended not only for domestic programs but also for international markets.
Executives described the agreement as a step toward strengthening defense capabilities while enhancing competitiveness in the rapidly evolving counter-drone sector.
Industry Context
The collaboration reflects a wider shift within the land systems sector toward integrated protection architectures capable of countering emerging drone threats. By combining platform integration expertise with missile and software technologies, the partners aim to deliver scalable solutions adaptable to multiple vehicle classes and mission profiles.
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