Hanwha Aerospace Signs Four Lithuanian Deals for Its Wheeled Anti-Aircraft Gun
Hanwha Aerospace has signed four agreements with Lithuanian companies to explore manufacturing and integration work for its 40mm Wheeled Anti-Aircraft Gun, known as WAAG. The company presented the memoranda at an industry day in Vilnius on October 23 and disclosed them on October 28.
The agreements identify possible industrial roles, not confirmed production orders. Hanwha has also joined the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industries Association.
Hanwha Lines Up Lithuanian Partners
| Lithuanian partner | Area explored |
|---|---|
| KMT | Vehicle integration |
| Cosmos Construction | Turret shell fabrication |
| T&G Lithuania | Cable manufacturing |
| Nortal | Integrating command-and-control with NATO networks |
“We see Lithuania as a long-term strategic partner and recognise the strong technological capabilities and potential of its defence industry,” said Robert (Sangwon) Park, senior vice president and head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Air Defence and Missile Launcher Systems Business.
Park said Hanwha is exploring technology transfer, joint development and lifecycle support, and wants to help Lithuania become a regional hub for defence manufacturing and maintenance in the Baltic region.
What the Wheeled Anti-Aircraft Gun Does
WAAG is designed to engage drones and other low-altitude aerial threats. Hanwha says it combines automated fire control, target tracking and 40mm ammunition on a mobile wheeled vehicle, and describes it as cost-efficient.
That cost claim is the company’s. Guns firing cheap rounds are attractive against drones because missiles cost far more than the targets they destroy, a tension also visible in Europe’s air defence missile production problem.
Where Each Lithuanian Partner Fits
| Work package | Partner | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle integration | KMT | Fits the gun system on a wheeled carrier |
| Turret shell fabrication | Cosmos Construction | Structural steelwork for the turret |
| Cables | T&G Lithuania | Wiring for sensors and weapons |
| NATO network link | Nortal | Command-and-control connection to allied systems |
Hanwha is also discussing its wider air defence range, covering short-, medium- and long-range systems. Its counter-drone approach combines radar and electro-optical sensors, command-and-control and several countermeasures, and long-range precision fires are another possible topic.
Hanwha Aerospace Company Profile
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Seoul, South Korea |
| Founded | 1977, as Samsung Precision |
| Employees | About 3,700 (2024) |
| Revenue | About ₩22.5 trillion (2024) |
| CEO | Son Jae-il |
| Business areas | Aerospace engines, ground systems, air defence, naval, unmanned systems |
| Known programmes | K9 Thunder howitzer, K30 Biho, Nobong naval gun |
A Foothold on NATO’s Eastern Flank
The Vilnius event drew more than 80 participants from about 30 Lithuanian companies. Association director Vaidas Sabaliauskas said: “Hanwha brings great experience and advanced technology. We see great opportunities to work together in production, technology, research of new products.”
Hanwha Lithuania WAAG FAQ
What did Hanwha sign?
Four memoranda with Lithuanian companies to explore manufacturing and integration work on its 40mm Wheeled Anti-Aircraft Gun.
Who are the partners?
KMT, Cosmos Construction, T&G Lithuania and Nortal.
Is this a production order?
No. The agreements identify potential industrial roles, not confirmed orders.
What is WAAG designed to do?
Engage drones and other low-altitude aerial threats with automated fire control, tracking and 40mm ammunition.
Where were the deals presented?
At an industry day in Vilnius on October 23, attended by more than 80 people from about 30 Lithuanian companies.
- Defence Industry Europe – “Hanwha Aerospace explores Lithuanian production roles for mobile air defence system” (October 28, 2026, reporting Hanwha Aerospace): defence-industry.eu
- Wikipedia – Hanwha Aerospace (company data)
