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Northrop Grumman and Hanwha Partner to Modernize Mine Countermeasures in South Korea.
On February 20, 2025, Northrop Grumman and Hanwha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of South Korea’s Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) program, strengthening their industrial cooperation with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration of the Republic of Korea. The agreement outlines Hanwha’s specific role as a supplier in this strategic project aimed at enhancing the South Korean Navy’s mine countermeasures capabilities.
Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 ALMDS is an advanced system designed to detect, classify, and locate floating and near-surface moored mines (Picture source: US DoD)
This MoU follows the 2023 contract between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Northrop Grumman for the supply of the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and technical support during the engineering, manufacturing, and design phase of the KMCH program. Under this collaboration, Hanwha will be responsible for producing ALMDS hardware components, expanding its role within the defense sector.
Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 ALMDS is an advanced system designed to detect, classify, and locate floating and near-surface moored mines. It is mounted on various helicopter platforms and operates autonomously both day and night, covering extensive areas. Its precise targeting system facilitates the subsequent neutralization of detected mines, making it a key asset for naval operations. Northrop Grumman has already delivered ALMDS units to the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, demonstrating its role in mine warfare technology.
Janice Zilch, Vice President of Multi-Domain Command and Control Programs at Northrop Grumman, highlighted the significance of industrial partnerships with companies such as Hanwha and KAI. She stated that these collaborations are essential to Northrop Grumman’s global technology development strategy, with the objective of delivering solutions that meet the security needs of South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense.
Hanwha Systems, established in 1977, initially specialized in electro-optical equipment, including night vision goggles, before expanding into land and naval defense. The company is now a key player in South Korea’s defense sector and is increasingly involved in aerospace and cybersecurity. By collaborating with Northrop Grumman, Hanwha strengthens its role as a supplier of advanced defense technologies for South Korean military programs and contributes to the expansion of the country’s defense industry.
The signing of this agreement comes as South Korea expands its naval capabilities in response to growing regional security challenges. The country is investing significantly in autonomous and unmanned mine countermeasure technologies to address underwater threats. South Korea’s defense budget is projected to reach $54.7 billion by 2029, up from $45.2 billion in 2024, reflecting its commitment to military modernization.
This collaboration between Northrop Grumman and Hanwha is a key step in the KMCH program, equipping the South Korean Navy with enhanced mine detection and neutralization capabilities. Leveraging Northrop Grumman’s expertise in system integration and digital engineering, this partnership aims to strengthen maritime security and reinforce South Korea’s technological sovereignty in a critical area of naval defense.