Hanwha Aerospace signs MoU with leading universities to strengthen defense R&D and workforce development
Agreement with Romanian and South Korean universities supports Hanwha’s defense localization strategy and commitment to long-term industrial cooperation in Europe
(From left) Kap-soo Rim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania, Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the UPB, and Peter Bae, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania at the MoU signing ceremony
Hanwha Aerospace Romania, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pusan National University (PNU) of South Korea and Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB) of Romania. The agreement seeks to promote education, research, and workforce development across the defense sector.
The trilateral partnership supports Hanwha Aerospace’s broader localization strategy in Europe by establishing a pipeline of skilled talent and research capabilities to underpin its advanced manufacturing operations. It directly backs the company’s plans to build a local production facility in Romania for land defense systems, including the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, further reinforcing Romania’s defense industry ecosystem and supply chain resilience.
Peter Bae, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania & Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the UPB
Under the MoU, the three parties will collaborate on a broad range of initiatives, including scholarship programs, internships, talent recruitment, defense education, and the future operation of an on-campus R&D center in Romania. These efforts are designed to foster skilled talent and build research capacity, contributing to Romania’s industrial and defense capabilities.
This academic partnership builds on Hanwha Aerospace’s growing commitment to Romania, following its 2023 contract worth approximately $1 billion for the supply of 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. As one of Romania’s largest-ever defense procurements, this agreement underscores Hanwha’s strategic role in strengthening the country’s defense infrastructure — not just through advanced technology, but also through long-term investment in talent, education, and local industry.
Hanwha Aerospace
Founded in 1977 in South Korea, Hanwha Aerospace is a trusted global provider of transformative solutions that now extend beyond aerospace to the defense and marine sectors. With an unwavering focus on customer-centric quality management, continued innovation, and product competitiveness reinforced by advanced technologies, Hanwha Aerospace is surging forward as a world-class leader in the burgeoning space and aerospace businesses, as well as in the land, sea, and air defense industries.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhaaerospace.com/eng
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