GME and Hanwha sign teaming agreement for LAND4140

Building on the MoU they signed at the 2024 MilCIS conference in Canberra, Sydney based GME, Geelong-based Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and Seoul-based Hanwha Systems signed a teaming agreement at the Avalon Air Show 2025.

The three companies have agreed to work together on the forthcoming Request for Tender for Project LAND4140 – Land C4I Modernisation which is expected during the second quarter of this year. Project LAND4140 is establishing several key functions within the Land Command, Control, Communications and Computers (Land C4I) environment to support the delivery of the next generation of Land C4I capability.

Building on the experience of South Korea’s Army TIGER program, Hanwha is applying tactical 5G and Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications (LEO SATCOM) technologies to enhance battlefield connectivity and interoperability. HDA says it will prime the bid with the support of its sister company, Hanwha Systems, working with GME for the hardware side of the project.

“GME is a rapidly expanding Australian business with strong links into both civil and military C4 programs in Australia and internationally, so working with them towards a solution for LAND4140 is the best path forward,” said Dean Michie, HDA Acting Managing Director.

“This cooperation will be an important stepping stone in enhancing Australia’s self-defence capabilities and promoting long-term cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Australia,” said Mr Sungkyun ‘Danny’ Park ,Hanwha Systems Head of C4I & Land Business Department.

“In addition, Hanwha Systems, HDA and GME will combine innovative technologies to help Australian defence companies create new opportunities in the global defence market,” he added. The three companies will lead the development of tactical communications and further strengthen cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Australia.

“Hanwha continues to impress with their investments in Australia and in building an Australian supply chain,” Said GME MD, Stephen Millar. “With GME’s significant advanced manufacturing capabilities working together to equip the ADF with Hanwha’s world class C4 capabilities, made and supported in Australia, makes sense.”

For over 60 years, GME has been an industry leader in the RF communication technology space, manufacturing radios, beacons and antennae. It is the only Australian manufacturer of UHF CB Radios and Emergency Beacon products. HDA and Hanwha Systems bring significant land platform and manufacturing experience and electronic optics, C4I hardware and software, radars, and avionic electronics respectively.

This partnership strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities and export opportunities while fostering long-term collaboration between Korea and Australia, said HDA in a statement.

“Together, we will be driving advancements in tactical communications to support future military operations and foster cooperation between ROK and Australia,” Mr Park concluded.