The Arion-SMET unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), developed by Hanwha Aerospace, has been selected by the Republic of Korea for the first acquisition program of its kind in the history of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. The decision was made as part of the Army TIGER modernization initiative, which aims to enhance the autonomous capabilities of the Republic of Korea Army. The selection of Arion-SMET confirms the technological maturity of the solution and the potential of the autonomous systems being developed within the Hanwha Group. The platform was designed to support mission execution and improve operational effectiveness while reducing risks to individual soldiers.
Its capabilities include:
- autonomous navigation and follow-me operation,
- logistics resupply and cargo transport,
- reconnaissance and surveillance,
- casualty evacuation (CASEVAC),
- integration with remote weapon stations (RWS).
Arion-SMET has undergone a series of field trials and operational evaluations both in the Republic of Korea and internationally, demonstrating its capabilities under real-world conditions. The selection of a system developed by Hanwha Aerospace is a recognition of the company’s continued efforts to advance next-generation technologies, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping future military capabilities.
Hanwha Aerospace has become a leading company in South Korea by expanding its business into space, aviation and defense. With an unwavering focus on customer-centric quality management, technological innovation, and product competitiveness reinforced by advanced technologies, the company is surging forward as a global leader by providing total solutions that speak to needs in both the commercial field (space and aviation) as well as those in defense (land, naval, and air). Hanwha Aerospace is also entering the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) market, recognized as a game changer in future defense environments. In collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a leading global UAS company, we are working to co-develop the Gray Eagle–Short Takeoff and Landing (GE-STOL) platform.
