Hanwha Aerospace has convened senior U.S. military and defense officials in Seoul for discussions centered on defense industrial cooperation and alliance support initiatives between the United States and South Korea.
The company said Wednesday the delegation was led by retired Adm. Harry Harris and included generals, flag officers and Defense Intelligence Agency representatives. Hanwha Aerospace President Suh Wook and executives from Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean also participated.
What Was Discussed During the Meeting?
Executives from Hanwha’s defense affiliates briefed the delegation on the company’s global defense operations, weapons systems capabilities, and efforts supporting cooperation across land, maritime and air domains.
According to Hanwha, both sides discussed the growing importance of defense industrial capacity within the U.S.-South Korea alliance and explored potential areas for future collaboration.
“The ROK-U.S. alliance is the foundation of Hanwha’s defense business,” a Hanwha Aerospace representative said. “We are committed to building a framework for mutual growth in both countries’ defense industries through investment, production, and technology cooperation in the United States.”
How Is Hanwha Expanding US Defense Partnerships?
The discussions come as Hanwha continues expanding its U.S. defense and shipbuilding footprint through investments, partnerships and industrial cooperation initiatives.
Hanwha Group Global Chief Strategy Officer Alex Wong recently said the U.S. and South Korea have an opportunity to deepen cooperation around defense manufacturing, shipbuilding and industrial resilience beyond traditional military ties.
In 2024, Hanwha acquired Philly Shipyard and has since expanded its U.S. maritime activities, including securing work tied to next-generation Navy logistics ships.
Hanwha Defense USA recently partnered with HavocAI to develop a 200-foot autonomous surface vessel for Department of War missions.
In 2025, Hanwha Ocean outlined plans to expand U.S. naval shipbuilding and maintenance capacity through the Korea-backed “Make American Shipyards Great Again” initiative, which seeks to strengthen American ship production and sustainment capabilities through joint industrial investment.
