Hanwha and GME sign teaming agreement for Defence communications programs
Building on the MoU signed at the 2024 MilCIS conference, GME, Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and Hanwha Systems have signed a teaming agreement at the Avalon Air Show 2025 this week.
Based on the body of work outlined in the MoU and now completed, the three companies have agreed to work together to respond to the Australian Government’s upcoming LAND 4140 program for the Australian Defence Force.
Land C4I Modernisation Project (LAND 4140) is establishing several key functions within the Land Command, Control, Communications and Computers (Land C4I) environment to support the delivery of the next generation of Land C4I capability.
“GME is a rapidly expanding Australian business with strong links into both civil and military C4 programs in Australia and internationally, so working with them towards a solution for LAND4140 is the best path forward,” HDA Acting Managing Direct Dean Michie said.
“Hanwha continues to impress with their investments in Australia and in building an Australian supply chain,” GME Managing Director Stephen Millar said. “With GME’s significant advanced manufacturing capabilities working together to equip the Australian Defence Force with Hanwha’s world class C4 capabilities, made and supported in Australia, this agreement makes sense.”
With HDA set to act as the prime with the support of its sister company, Hanwha Systems, working with GME for the hardware side of the project leverages a sophisticated Australian manufacturing company.
For over 60 years, GME has been an industry leader in the RF communication technology space, manufacturing radios, beacons and antennae. They are the only Australian manufacturer of UHF CB Radios and Emergency Beacon products. Sister companies, HDA and Hanwha Systems, bring significant land platform and manufacturing experience and electronic optics, C4I hardware and software, radars, and avionic electronics respectively.
Building on the experience of South Korea's Army TIGER program, Hanwha is applying tactical 5G and Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications (LEO Satcom) technologies to enhance battlefield connectivity and interoperability.
“This cooperation will be an important stepping stone in enhancing Australia's self-defence capabilities and promoting long-term cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Australia,” Hanwha Systems Head of C4I&Land Business Department, Mr Sungkyun ‘Danny’ Park said.
“In addition, Hanwha Systems, HDA and GME will combine innovative technologies to help Australian defence companies create new opportunities in the global defence market. The three companies will lead the development of tactical communications and further strengthen cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Australia.
This partnership strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities while fostering long-term collaboration between Korea and Australia. By integrating innovative technologies, Hanwha, HDA, and GME are creating new opportunities for Australian industry in global defence markets.
“Together, we will be driving advancements in tactical communications to support future military operations and foster cooperation between ROK and Australia,” Mr Park concluded.
Image: L-R Mr Sungkyun ‘Danny’ Park, HDA Acting Managing Direct Dean Michie, and GME Managing Director Stephen Millar, Hanwha Systems Head of C4I&Land Business Department at the Avalon Air Show signing ceremony.
