The defense industry is actively pursuing domestic design capabilities for key semiconductors in the defense sector, which is heavily reliant on overseas suppliers. Hanwha Systems plans to internalize defense semiconductor design technology (specialized semiconductors for weapons systems) through collaboration with domestic university research infrastructure.

Hanwha Systems announced that on Thursday, March 5th, it will hold ceremonies to establish joint research and development (R&D) centers at Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University, respectively, to secure defense and space semiconductor design technology. According to the company, the joint research centers will be established within the Seoul National University Semiconductor Research Institute and the Sungkyunkwan University College of Information and Communications on the Natural Sciences Campus.

The company will conduct joint research with Seoul National University to develop high-frequency semiconductor design technology for communications until 2031. The company explained that the semiconductors are key components applicable to communications satellites, mobile devices, and drones. Furthermore, the company believes they can be utilized in military communications connecting land, sea, air, and space domains.

The company is jointly developing high-power, high-efficiency, and wideband semiconductors for radar with Sungkyunkwan University. Radar is a device used to detect and track targets, and the company stated that semiconductors responsible for generating radio waves and amplifying received signals are key components in determining its performance. Applications include various platforms, including surface-to-air guided weapon systems, fighter jets, and observation satellites.

Hanwha Systems said it plans to build a joint research infrastructure with each university and to proceed in stages from preliminary research to securing technology and commercializing parts. He added that he would also pursue mid- to long-term cooperation, including expanding industry-academia human exchanges and recruiting excellent human resources.

The company stated that this collaboration is the starting point for securing core semiconductor technologies in the defense sector domestically, and that it will increase self-sufficiency in related technologies through continuous research and development and talent development.