Hanwha Systems has secured an additional contract to supply core naval combat systems to the Philippine Navy, further strengthening its defense partnership with the country. This marks the fifth time the company has won a naval combat system project for the Philippine Navy.
Hanwha Systems, led by CEO Son Jae-il, announced that it has signed a contract worth approximately KRW 40 billion to provide Combat Management Systems (CMS) and Tactical Data Links (TDL) for two next-generation 3,200-ton frigates being introduced by the Philippine Navy.
The CMS is a critical onboard system that detects and analyzes threats in real time using radar and various sensors, while enabling the integrated operation of weapons such as naval guns and missiles to ensure optimal combat performance. The Tactical Data Link to be supplied alongside the CMS allows naval forces to share tactical information in real time, enhancing operational efficiency and interoperability during joint operations.
Hanwha Systems has steadily expanded its presence in the Philippine naval defense sector. The company first supplied combat systems for two 2,600-ton frigates in 2017, followed by performance upgrades for three 3,000-ton Del Pilar-class frigates in 2019. Additional contracts included systems for two 3,100-ton offshore patrol vessels in 2022 and six 2,400-ton offshore patrol vessels in 2023. With the latest order for two 3,200-ton next-generation frigates, Hanwha Systems’ domestically developed CMS will be installed on a total of 15 Philippine Navy vessels.
The combat systems and tactical data links provided under the new contract will be customized to reflect the Philippines’ complex maritime environment, which includes more than 7,600 islands and distinctive security challenges.
Since 2000, Hanwha Systems has developed naval combat systems entirely with its own proprietary technology, achieving full localization. These systems are now deployed on most surface and underwater vessels operated by the Republic of Korea Navy, including destroyers, frigates, fast attack craft, and submarines.
A Hanwha Systems official stated that the company plans to continue strengthening the technological competitiveness of its naval combat systems and expand exports to global markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the United States, and South America. The official added that Hanwha Systems aims to grow into a leading global maritime defense solutions provider, going beyond its contribution to domestic maritime security.
In addition to combat systems, Hanwha Systems has also developed core technologies for unmanned naval vessels, including the Integrated Platform Management System (ECS) and the Condition-Based Maintenance System (CBMS). These technologies, which were previously possessed by only a handful of advanced countries such as the United States, Italy, and Norway, further reinforce the company’s position in advanced naval defense systems.
