▲ Hanwha Systems CEO Yang Ki-won (L) and EDGE Group CEO Hamad Al Marar sign a term sheet on cooperation in building an integrated air defense system during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sept. 15, 2026, in this photo provided by Hanwha Systems. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean defense firm Hanwha Systems Co. said Thursday it has agreed with the United Arab Emirates' EDGE Group to cooperate on building an integrated air defense network in the Middle Eastern country.

The Hanwha Group affiliate said it signed a term sheet with the state-run UAE defense firm at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (local time).

The agreement sets out the direction of the UAE's weapons procurement plans and a phased approach to the project, with further details to be worked out.

Hanwha Systems said the two sides will also explore establishing a joint venture in the UAE and discuss local manufacturing, business operations and maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.

The agreement builds on Hanwha's growing presence in the Middle Eastern air defense market.

Hanwha has supplied key components for the Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system to the UAE, including Hanwha Systems' multifunction radars and Hanwha Aerospace's launchers, launch tubes and missile components.

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