Hanwha Systems has officially launched development of South Korea’s first defense-grade space semiconductor for military satellites, accelerating the country’s push toward an independent K-space security capability.
The company announced on December 3 that it signed a project agreement with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) for the development of a multi-channel beamforming transceiver space semiconductor designed for (ultra)-small defense satellites.
The semiconductor is a core component of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) military satellite communication systems, enabling reliable transmission and reception of data between ground and space even under harsh conditions. Due to their deployment in mission-critical assets such as missiles, radars, and military communication systems, defense semiconductors require significantly higher levels of durability and radiation resistance compared to commercial chips—underscoring the strategic significance of this program.
A major innovation of the newly developed chip is its support for digital beamforming rather than traditional analog methods. By applying advanced digital signal-processing technology, the system can precisely form and steer beams, enabling high-bandwidth, fast, and stable satellite communication. Its multi-channel compact architecture also allows installation on small satellites where space efficiency is essential.
LEO military satellite communication—often described as a “military space internet”—is critical for delivering high-speed and uninterrupted connectivity across battlespaces. It ensures robust communication networks during peacetime and serves as the last-mile communications lifeline during wartime.
Hanwha Systems has been leading efforts to establish a LEO satellite communication network optimized for the Korean military since 2023. The new semiconductor technology is expected to significantly reduce foreign dependency and accelerate localization of key components within Korea’s defense satellite ecosystem.
“This development marks a meaningful milestone in strengthening South Korea’s national defense space capabilities through indigenous technology,” a Hanwha Systems official stated. “We will continue to contribute to the localization and advancement of cutting-edge space defense technology.”
Hanwha Systems has already demonstrated technological leadership in the space sector, including securing domestic first capabilities in inter-satellite laser communications (ISL) for small SAR satellites, enabling high-speed data transfer between LEO satellites.
