Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean will participate in the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Febrary 8 to 12, as they step up efforts to expand their footprint in the Middle East defense market.
At this year’s exhibition, Hanwha will operate its largest-ever integrated booth, covering 677 square meters including a 50-square-meter outdoor display area. The group plans to present a comprehensive “K-defense export package” spanning land, sea, air and space domains, highlighting South Korea’s defense capabilities through future-oriented integrated weapons systems and network-centric battlefield solutions enhanced by artificial intelligence technologies.
A key focus of Hanwha’s showcase will be localization-driven cooperation models aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national development strategy, Vision 2030. The company aims to position itself as a long-term strategic partner by expanding cooperation beyond defense into broader security and economic collaboration.
Hanwha Systems will unveil its Multi Mission Radar (MMR) for the first time at WDS 2026. Designed to address increasingly complex and diversified aerial threats, the radar is capable of detecting and tracking low-altitude targets such as drones, manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as rockets, artillery and mortars (RAM), with the goal of strengthening next-generation air defense capabilities.
The company has steadily expanded its presence in the Middle East defense market by supplying multifunction radars as part of Cheongung-II air defense system export contracts signed with the United Arab Emirates in 2022, Saudi Arabia in 2024, and Iraq in 2025.
In addition, Hanwha will showcase a lineup of air defense systems drawing strong interest from Middle Eastern customers, including the Cheongung Block-I laser-based air defense weapon. The system, whose performance has been validated through operational deployment, is being positioned for global expansion based on its proven effectiveness and cost competitiveness.
Hanwha Systems will also introduce its Smart Battleship concept to the Saudi market. The next-generation naval platform applies AI-based combat management systems, an intelligent integrated machinery control system capable of monitoring propulsion conditions and predicting failures, and stealth-oriented design. The concept reflects a shift toward a software-centric paradigm for future naval forces.
Through its participation in WDS 2026, Hanwha aims to further strengthen defense cooperation with Middle Eastern partners and to promote the technological competitiveness and scalability of South Korea’s defense industry on the global stage.
