Hanwha Defence Australia, Visionary Machines and Hanwha Systems sign MoU

Geelong-based Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA), Visionary Machines, an Australian SME leader in high-fidelity passive 3D spatial sensing, and Hanwha Systems Corporation have signed an MoU to explore collaborative development opportunities. The MoU was signed at the Avalon Air Show in Geelong on March 25.

The MoU will see Sydney based Visionary Machines working with the two arms of Hanwha to assess and potentially integrate their world-leading technology into Hanwha systems and platforms. These technologies will initially examine supporting or enabling technology for autonomy, counter unmanned aerial systems, and enhanced situational awareness.

“By blending the best of Australian and South Korean technologies and approaches, we want to build strategic resilience for supply chains and innovative approaches in both nations,” HDA Managing Director Dean Michie said. “Between our own experience, what our sister company Hanwha Systems brings to the table, and the capability offered by Visionary Machines, I am confident that this R&D opportunity will be a marvellous opportunity for all involved.”

“Recent events have highlighted the need for passive sensing solutions, that do not emit targetable energy,” Visionary Machines Chief Executive Officer Sonny Foster said. “Visionary Machines cutting-edge passive 3D spatial sensing integrated with Hanwha’s world leading platforms and systems, serves to greatly enhance situational awareness, advancing critical capability.

“This extremely exciting collaborative development opportunity between Hanwha Defence Australia, Hanwha Systems Corporation and Visionary Machines, is going to result in very real solution led innovation, expanding Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.”

The three companies bring together a range of capabilities including:

• Military vehicle design and systems integration
• Design and development of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence systems (C4I), and Electronic Architectures for Australian military programs
• Experience with Australian Defence Force requirements and standards
• Defence electronics and ICT smart solutions, offering solutions for military and civilian applications, including satellite technology, avionics, and surveillance systems
• Development of directed energy effectors and command, control, and communication systems for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities
• Specialisation in passive optical vision and sensing systems
• Advanced capabilities in augmented vision systems and drone tracking
• Proficiency in generating 3D point clouds and providing dimensional data through passive sensors.

“This partnership not only strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities but also lays the groundwork for long-term collaboration between three partners, Australian industry with innovative technologies and expanding opportunities in global defence markets,” Vice President of Hanwha Systems C4I&Land Business, Mr Sungkyun ‘Danny’ Park. “Together, Hanwha Systems, HDA and VM are poised to lead advancements in C-UAS that will redefine battlefield survivability.”