Multi-mission UGV portfolio, combining wheeled and tracked platforms, showcased to address evolving European operational requirements
K9 TUNET for Romania (Photo=Hanwha)
Hanwha’s key defense affiliates, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems will highlight their next-generation unmanned capabilities at the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2026, as it accelerates its European localization strategy and expands its footprint across EU and NATO markets.
Hanwha will join the biennial exposition, one of the largest defense exhibitions in the Balkans, taking place from May 13 to 15 at ROMAERO in Bucharest.
Under the theme “Built with Romania, Ready for NATO,” Hanwha Aerospace will put forward its next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) systems alongside a full lineup of integrated land and air defense solutions, demonstrating its ability to respond to Europe’s rapidly evolving security environment and rearmament efforts.
Hanwha Systems will showcase AI-based satellite data analytics solutions supporting ISR, targeting, and battle damage assessment, alongside naval capabilities including the Smart Battleship (SBS) concept and next-generation mine countermeasure solutions tailored to the Black Sea security environment.
At the center of Hanwha Aerospace’s presence at BSDA 2026 is its UGV capability portfolio, featuring the GRUNT (GRound UNcrewed Transport) wheeled platform and the THeMIS-K tracked system. GRUNT is an upgraded variant of Hanwha Aerospace’s indigenous 6x6 wheeled UGV platform, Arion-SMET, featuring a payload capacity of over 900 kg and an operational range of approximately 290 km. It can be equipped with systems such as a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), counter-battery detection, and automatic target tracking, enabling a wide range of missions including ammunition and logistics transport, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance, and combat support.
THeMIS, a combat-proven tracked UGV developed by Milrem Robotics, is a tracked UGV platform with a payload capacity of up to 1,200 kg and a hybrid propulsion system, designed to support modular mission configurations. It can integrate various payloads including weapon systems, surveillance equipment, and logistics modules, and is capable of stable mobility in rugged and obstacle-rich environments.
The two companies are also advancing joint development of localized variants tailored to Korean and Romanian operational requirements, combining Hanwha’s wheeled UGV capabilities with Milrem’s tracked platform expertise.
The UGV showcase comes as European armed forces increasingly prioritize unmanned systems as force multipliers. The Romanian Armed Forces are also looking to acquire advanced UGVs across diverse operational roles.
To address these evolving needs, Hanwha Aerospace is pursuing a Romania-tailored UGV solution in collaboration with Milrem Robotics, emphasizing an integrated approach that combines wheeled and tracked platforms to enable flexibility across terrain, mission types, and operational concepts, including manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
Building on the successful implementation of its K9 TUNET Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) program in Romania, Hanwha Aerospace is advancing localization through the establishment of an in-country production base.
The company is constructing the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence Europe (H-ACE Europe) in Dâmbovița County, scheduled to become operational in 2027, marking Hanwha’s first production base in the European Union. The facility will support Romania’s K9 program while serving as a production base for future regional demand, with capabilities spanning manufacturing, testing, maintenance, and workforce training.
Hanwha Aerospace continues to expand its footprint across Europe, building strong partnerships across key markets including Romania, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Spain.
Lino Lim, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania, said: “As Europe accelerates rearmament and adapts to evolving security challenges, Hanwha Aerospace aims to support this transformation through localized production, integrated systems, and future-ready technologies—enhancing interoperability and supply chain resilience across the EU and NATO.”
Jung Min-hee
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