Hanwha Aerospace opens subsidiary in Saudi Arabia — Korea Herald
South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace has established Hanwha Defense Arabia, a wholly owned subsidiary, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to industry sources reported by the Korea Herald, the unit was created in the first half of 2026 amid the company’s intensified efforts to secure defense contracts in the Middle East.
A separate company in Riyadh
The new structure is separate from Hanwha Aerospace’s regional headquarters, which opened in September 2025. The headquarters oversees existing operations and seeks new business opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.
A Hanwha Aerospace representative said the subsidiary is intended to help the company respond more quickly to local demand, as the Middle East is becoming increasingly important to its defense business. Details of the new unit’s operations are still being worked out.
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Defense projects in the region
Hanwha Aerospace is promoting the K9 self-propelled howitzer, the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, the Redback infantry fighting vehicle, and the L-SAM long-range surface-to-air missile system in the region.
In the United Arab Emirates, the company recently concluded an agreement with state-owned defense company EDGE on key terms for establishing an integrated air defense system. The parties plan to discuss the creation of a joint venture and phased production in the UAE. In June, Hanwha Aerospace also agreed with the Emirati company Generation5 Holdings to cooperate on the local production and sale of K9 howitzers.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard is planning a large-scale modernization of its ground weaponry. This raises expectations for possible exports of the K9 and Chunmoo. The project is estimated at approximately 15 trillion won, or $11 billion.
