Hanwha Aerospace Unveils MENA Regional Headquarters in Riyadh to Drive Defense, Tech, and Vision 2030 Partnerships
Hanwha Aerospace has officially inaugurated its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Headquarters in Riyadh—an ambitious stride emphasizing its commitment to industrial cooperation, defense modernization, and diversified collaborations across the region.
The opening ceremony, held on September 3, 2025, was attended by key dignitaries including His Excellency Eng. Ahmad bin Abdulazia Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), and His Excellency Seok Jong-gun, Minister of the Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). More than 100 senior representatives from the Korean Embassy, the Saudi Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of National Guard, the Ministry of Investment, and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) were also present.
A Strategic Regional Hub
The new Riyadh headquarters will coordinate Hanwha’s defense operations across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, acting as a regional hub for engagement in land, naval, and aerospace systems. It will also expand into non-defense sectors including smart cities, renewable energy, and space technologies. According to Sung Il, President for Middle East and Africa, this move is designed to bolster security, promote industrial growth, and create employment opportunities across the region.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through Localization
Saudi Arabia serves as the cornerstone of Hanwha’s MENA strategy. The company pledged to align with Vision 2030 by helping localize over 50% of defense spending. Plans include expanding supply chains, constructing joint production lines, and cultivating a highly skilled workforce. Hanwha is also exploring Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, technical training programs, and collaborative research and development projects in the Kingdom.
Core Defense Offerings and Regional Partnerships
Hanwha’s renowned defense portfolio—including the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Tigon 8×8 armored vehicle, and M-SAM next-generation air defense system—will anchor its regional partnerships. These systems, paired with local manufacturing and technology transfer, are expected to enhance cooperation not only with Saudi Arabia but also with other regional partners such as the UAE and Egypt.
Pre-existing Momentum: High-Level Engagements
This inauguration builds on earlier high-level engagements—most notably the November 2024 meeting between Hanwha Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim and Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of the National Guard. Discussions centered on defense modernization and industrial collaboration, reaffirming a mutual commitment to strategic capabilities and economic diversification.
Broader Impact
Hanwha’s expansion into Riyadh follows its active role at the World Defense Show 2024, where the company showcased next-generation engines, AESA radars, anti-drone systems, and aviation electronics. These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s localization drive under Vision 2030.
Beyond defense, Hanwha is also set to benefit from growing Korea–Saudi cooperation in space exploration. Earlier this year, South Korea and Saudi Arabia signed a major space cooperation agreement covering satellite development, deep-space exploration, and astronaut training. Hanwha participated in this partnership, strengthening its presence in the space and advanced technology sector.
