Seoul: Hanwha Systems Co., the defense arm of Hanwha Group, announced it held a kick-off meeting with Austrian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Schiebel to explore opportunities in the global UAV export market.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting followed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two companies in Austria in May, focusing on the development of an airborne communications UAV. This partnership aims to establish a presence in the global UAV communications sector by integrating Hanwha Systems' advanced communications and avionics technology with Schiebel's established UAV platforms.

A company representative expressed their intention to not only lead in the next-generation UAV market through this collaboration but also to seek opportunities for the expansion of their systems in both domestic and international markets.

The airborne communications UAV being developed is equipped with a 5G base station, airborne relay communications equipment, and relevant avionics, designed to provide uninterrupted tactical communication links across diverse battlefield settings.