Hanwha Aerospace, Frankenburg to Develop Counter-Drone Systems for Future Armored Vehicles
•February 13, 2026
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Why It Matters
Mobile C‑UAS capability enhances the survivability of future land systems, a critical need as drones dominate modern battlefields. The partnership also illustrates how established defense contractors are accelerating innovation through startup collaborations.
Key Takeaways
- •Hanwha and Frankenburg sign MoU for C‑UAS
- •Focus on armored command vehicle integration
- •Frankenburg supplies missiles, launchers, fire‑control software
- •Partnership boosts survivability against battlefield drones
- •Shows legacy firms partnering with innovative startups
Pulse Analysis
The rise of inexpensive, off‑the‑shelf drones has forced armies to rethink vehicle protection, shifting attention from static air‑defense to mobile, vehicle‑mounted solutions. By embedding a C‑UAS suite directly onto armored platforms, operators can detect, track, and neutralize hostile UAVs before they acquire targeting data. This approach reduces reliance on external air‑defense assets and offers real‑time protection for maneuver units operating in contested environments.
Hanwha Aerospace brings decades of experience in vehicle integration, artillery, and aerospace systems, positioning it to embed Frankenburg's compact missile interceptors into the chassis of future command vehicles. Frankenburg’s missile technology, designed for mass production and affordability, complements Hanwha’s need for a lightweight, rapid‑response payload. The combined system will likely feature multi‑sensor detection—radar, electro‑optical, and acoustic—linked to fire‑control software that autonomously engages drones, streamlining the kill chain and minimizing crew workload.
Strategically, the partnership signals a broader trend where legacy defense firms partner with agile startups to accelerate fielding of niche capabilities. For Estonia, the collaboration strengthens domestic defense industrial capacity and aligns with NATO’s emphasis on counter‑UAS readiness. For global markets, the joint solution could set a benchmark for modular, vehicle‑integrated C‑UAS kits, prompting competitors to pursue similar alliances to meet the escalating demand for battlefield drone mitigation.
Hanwha Aerospace, Frankenburg to Develop Counter-Drone Systems for Future Armored Vehicles
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Estonia’s Frankenburg Technologies to co-develop counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) for next-generation land weapon platforms. The agreement was announced at the 2026 World Defense Show in Riyadh and was formalized on 9 February, by Hanwha’s Land Systems head Dong-hyeon Kim and CEO Kusti Salm of Frankenburg. Hanwha noted this step aligns with its broader push to counter the “increasing use of unmanned aerial systems on the battlefield”. Under the MoU, the companies will jointly develop an integrated C-UAS suite for future armored vehicles. Initial work will focus on Hanwha’s upcoming armored command vehicle. Hanwha will handle overall system integration, while Frankenburg supplies the interceptor missiles, launchers and fire-control software.
Hanwha Aerospace, Frankenburg to Develop Counter-Drone Systems for Future Armored Vehicles. (Hanwha Aerospace)
The partnership addresses a pressing challenge: drones. As Kim said, the MoU is a “pivotal opportunity to enhance the survivability and competitiveness of next-generation land weapon systems against the growing threat of drones”. Frankenburg’s CEO, Kusti Salm, added that the deal marks the start of a “concrete, large-scale development program” and highlights the maturity of their missile and C-UAS technology. Hanwha noted this fits a broader trend of countering drones: it combines Hanwha’s vehicle integration expertise with Frankenburg’s missile and software tech to build robust mobile defenses. Kim also said Hanwha is committed to strengthening Estonia’s defense capabilities and revitalizing its industry through joint development programs.
Frankenburg Missile Mk1 at DSEI (Matthew Moss)
Hanwha has steadily built ties with Estonia through earlier defense sales. Hanwha Aerospace is a leading global defense contractor offering a wide range of products including artillery, armored vehicles, aircraft engines and satellites. Frankenburg is an Estonian startup developing affordable and mass-producible air-defense missiles. The tie-up underscores a broader trend as established defense firms and innovative newcomers are teaming up to field agile counter-drone solutions against evolving UAV threats.
Hanwha said the agreement “supports efforts to improve protection of future land systems against drone threats”. Counter-UAS systems like this use sensors to detect enemy drones and guided missiles to intercept them – effectively making a vehicle-mounted “drone catcher.” Drones have been used extensively in recent conflicts, so mobile C-UAS is now a high priority for modern armies. Kim and Salm signaled at the signing that they plan to move quickly from concept to development. The collaboration shows how defense firms are merging proven systems with new technology to keep troops and vehicles safe from evolving UAV attacks.
The post Hanwha Aerospace, Frankenburg to Develop Counter-Drone Systems for Future Armored Vehicles appeared first on Overt Defense.
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