South Korea’s Hanwha Systems and Milkor Aerospace and Defence, a leading drone manufacturer, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate an advanced AESA SAR radar system onto the Milkor 380 UAV, significantly enhancing its surveillance and ISR capabilities for international defense markets.
Unveiled during the Paris Air Show 2025, the agreement brings together Hanwha’s cutting-edge radar technology and Milkor’s flagship MALE UAV platform. The collaboration is aimed at delivering a fully export-ready solution for multi-domain ISR and precision missions.
Strategic Edge of the Milkor 380 UAV with AESA SAR Radar
The Milkor 380 UAV is a long-endurance platform tailored for modern battlefield requirements. With more than 30 hours of endurance, a payload capacity exceeding 220 kg, and a range beyond 4,000 km, the UAV is engineered for extended operations in contested environments.
The integration of Hanwha’s AESA Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system equips the drone with:
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High-resolution imaging
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Ground and Maritime Moving Target Indication (GMTI/MMTI)
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All-weather reconnaissance capability
This combination transforms the Milkor 380 into a mission-flexible ISR platform suitable for persistent surveillance, maritime patrol, and deep-strike targeting support.
Leadership Commentary
“This partnership combines two organizations that bring unmatched value in their respective domains,” said Julian Coetzee, CEO of Milkor UAE. “We’re confident this capability will open new market opportunities far beyond the Middle East.”
Hyuck Park, Senior Vice President at Hanwha Systems, added: “This collaboration allows us to fuse Hanwha’s radar expertise with Milkor’s combat-proven UAV architecture, offering a powerful solution for global defense customers.”
Outlook
As defense forces worldwide shift toward multi-domain awareness and persistent ISR, the Milkor 380 UAV with AESA SAR radar is positioned as a competitive choice for governments seeking advanced capabilities without the operational and financial footprint of traditional manned assets.
This agreement also underscores a growing trend of strategic alignment between South Korean and Middle Eastern defense firms, aimed at delivering integrated platforms for a fast-evolving global threat landscape.
