By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with leading Estonian software companies Nortal and SensusQ on September 3 at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Poland.

This agreement establishes a partnership to jointly develop a state-of-the-art Battlefield Management System (BMS) for a wide range of platforms including Hanwha’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).

BMS is an essential tool for military operations, providing integrated information acquisition and processing to enhance command and control. It provides a near real-time flow of information to tactical commanders, allowing for the sharing of battalion-level combat information across the battlefield.

The collaboration will leverage Hanwha's field proven Redback IFV platform as the foundation for a new, highly advanced system that will be designed for integration with multiple platforms. Nortal will contribute its extensive experience in digital transformation and complex systems integration, while SensusQ will provide its unique domain and technological expertise shaped by operational experience.

The pioneering next-generation BMS will feature a modular, non-monolithic architecture, enabling rapid integration not only with the Redback but also with a wide range of other platforms. It is designed to deliver real-time, multi-domain decision support, automated intelligence processing, and secure, coalition-ready interoperability, ensuring long-term scalability to meet the operational demands of future high-tempo warfare.

Dong-hyun Kim, the Head of LS Business Group of Hanwha Aerospace said, "This MOU is about building a genuine security partnership. By collaborating with esteemed Estonian companies, we are committed to contributing to the growth of the local and European defence industry."

Within their strategic collaboration framework, the companies are exploring initial partnership opportunities with Estonia as well as with other Central and Eastern European countries, to develop a pioneering BMS tailored to their operational and technological needs.

“Together we are building the foundation for long-term, trusted international cooperation to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare. This BMS can help defence forces achieve digital supremacy by preventing, countering and responding to hybrid threats with faster response times and reduced operational costs, harnessing seamless integrations and interoperability,” said Peeter Smitt, Business Area Director for Defence at Nortal.