Hanwha Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian defence company specializing in innovative missile systems, to collaborate on the technology and co-development of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for next-generation land weapon systems.
The signing ceremony took place at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attended by Dong-hyeon Kim, Head of the Land Systems (LS) Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, and Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies.
“This MoU serves as a pivotal opportunity to enhance the survivability and competitiveness of next-generation land weapon systems against the growing threat of drones on the future battlefield.”
Dong-hyeon Kim, Head of the LS Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace
“This collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace marks the start of a concrete, large-scale development program. Working with a partner of Hanwha’s global standing on a next-generation command vehicle demonstrates the maturity of our missile and C-UAS technologies and our ability to contribute meaningfully to major defence platforms,” said Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies.
Companies to co-develop integrated C‑UAS suite
Under this agreement, the two companies will closely cooperate on the joint development and technological integration of C-UAS equipment. The system is currently being reviewed for initial application to Hanwha’s next-generation command armored vehicle under development.
According to the terms of the collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace will be responsible for the system integration of the C-UAS into the platforms, while Frankenburg Technologies will develop the guided missiles, launchers, and fire control software.
“This MoU serves as a pivotal opportunity to enhance the survivability and competitiveness of next-generation land weapon systems against the growing threat of drones on the future battlefield,” said Dong-hyeon Kim, Head of the LS Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace. “Hanwha is committed to contributing to Estonia’s security capabilities and the revitalization of its defence industry through joint development and technological cooperation across various fields,” added he.
Hanwha signs MoUs with Estonian defense innovators, boosting strategic cooperation
This partnership marks a continued expansion of Hanwha Aerospace’s cooperation with the Estonian defence industry. Beginning with the signing of an MoU with Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) developer, Hanwha has signed MoUs with various Estonian companies, including Nortal, SensusQ, MARDUK, and Go Craft. The company plans to further broaden this cooperation into diverse fields such as Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and ammunition production.
“This collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace marks the start of a concrete, large-scale development program. Working with a partner of Hanwha’s global standing on a next-generation command vehicle demonstrates the maturity of our missile and C-UAS technologies and our ability to contribute meaningfully to major defence platforms.”
Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies
Hanwha Aerospace has steadily built trust with Estonia, beginning with the supply of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers in 2020 and the Chunmoo System in late 2025. Leveraging this solid relationship, the company aims to actively contribute to strengthening Estonia’s defence capabilities by proposing its advanced solutions for Estonia’s upcoming infantry fighting vehicle modernization program.
The two companies also agreed to jointly pursue additional opportunities for these systems within the territories of Europe, the Middle East, and South-East Asia.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Frankenburg Technologies is an Estonian defence technology company building affordable, mass-manufacturable missile systems.
- Operating across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine, the company focuses on changing the economics of missile defence.
- Frankenburg brings a manufacturing-first approach to missile defence, combining low-cost, precision-guided interceptor systems with relocatable, sovereign mass production capability. This enables nations to manufacture, replenish, and sustain missile stocks locally, reducing dependence on external supply chains.
- Hanwha Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced defence, 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.
Are you interested in trading with Estonia? Enterprise Estonia is providing sourcing services for foreign enterprises. Contact Estonian export advisors or use our free e-consulting service to start trade with Estonia.
