Saab’s footprint in South Korea is expanding. The company has secured a contract to supply its cutting-edge MAW 400 sensors for integration into Hanwha Systems’ self-protection system.
As part of the contract, Saab will supply MAW 400 sensors for the modification of the ROKAF’s C-130 transport aircraft. The advanced sensors will be integrated into Hanwha’s Direct Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) self-protection system, significantly bolstering the overall capabilities of the aircraft.
The contract is an offshoot of Saab’s involvement in Hanwha’s development of the DIRCM. According to company officials, it was the success of the program that led to the current order.
The MAW 400 sensors represent the latest technology in UV (ultraviolet) missile approach warning. With their enhanced data processing capabilities, networking capability, and improved sensor sensitivity, they offer superior threat detection and situational awareness.
“We are proud to partner with Hanwha Systems, one of Korea’s leading defense companies. This order strengthens our Electronic Warfare position in the Korean market. We hope to continue this cooperation to the future Korean and global market ” said Frans Vermaak, Business Development and Marketing Executive at Saab.
As part of the contract, Saab will provide comprehensive engineering support and training in-country to ensure seamless integration with the rest of the system.’
The initial operational test and evaluation phase of the DIRCM was carried out 2020–21. In January last year, South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) announced the successful test of Hanwha System’s DIRCM system for military aircraft self-protection. According to the agency, the tests confirmed that the system’s response time to deflect close range attack from MANPADS has dramatically improved. When a missile warning receiver (MWR) detects an incoming threat, the DIRCM emits a laser beam that ‘blinds’ missiles, thus keeping the aircraft safe.
The airborne survival system improves survivability of aircraft by using high speed, precision tracking and laser-based jamming against the attack of portable infrared guided missiles, also called man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The DIRCM is small-sized, light weight, and has a single mold structure. It is capable of real time infrared image signal processing, thus enabling quick detection and tracking. The system also has a high precision stabilization system for effective transmission of the jamming laser.
Range of Products at Show: At the event, Saab is promoting GlobalEye, its multi-domain Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) solution; electronic warfare solutions; the Giraffe 1X compact high-performance lightweight 3D radar; ground combat systems such as Carl-Gustaf M4, AT4, and NLAW and the AUV62-AT anti-submarine warfare training system. Also highlighted are training and simulation offerings.
“As a company we are thrilled to demonstrate our wide portfolio of cutting-edge technologies and solutions at Seoul ADEX 2023 in Korea, which is a key market for Saab,” said Henrik Lönn, Head of Saab Korea.
According to company officials, GlobalEye is the most modern and capable airborne surveillance solution available on the market. With its mix of modern active and passive sensors, it provides long range early detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land from a single platform. By providing real-time information to units in air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats. It can also be used for non-military tasks such as leading and coordinating rescue missions during natural disasters or larger accidents at sea or on land.
In April this year, Saab announced that its fourth GlobalEye had conducted a successful first flight. The company has the largest AEW&C customer base in the world, having delivered solutions over the last three decades across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia for multiple mission roles.
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