Australia (Commonwealth)_ In a significant development in military navigation technology, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA), and Advanced Navigation have established a collaborative agreement, marking a pivotal advancement in autonomous and crewed navigation systems. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Land Forces 2024 International Defence Exposition, promises to enhance the precision and reliability of inertial navigation systems (INS) across various military platforms.
The MoU, announced on the exposition’s opening day, outlines a joint development initiative focused on high-performance INS solutions. These systems are designed to deliver accurate navigation and targeting capabilities in scenarios where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are unreliable or denied, covering both airborne and terrestrial operations.
Chris Shaw, CEO of Advanced Navigation, emphasized the transformative potential of this alliance in the defence manufacturing sector. “The integration of automation, machine learning, and precision engineering is reshaping the landscape of sovereign defence capabilities,” Shaw noted. This shift underscores a move away from traditional methods towards more sophisticated Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems that meet the modern military’s complex demands.
The collaborative effort is set to integrate these state-of-the-art solutions into Hanwha Aerospace’s global supply chain. This integration will not only enhance the technological capabilities available to Australia but also extend these advanced solutions to international markets, bolstering global access to top-tier APNT technologies.
Shaw highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration, pointing out that it “brings together leading engineering minds to set new standards in PNT excellence and reinforce technological sovereignty.”
Expressing his enthusiasm about the agreement, Dean Michie, Acting Managing Director of Hanwha Defence Australia, underscored the commitment to bolstering Australia’s defence capabilities. “This partnership not only strengthens our collaboration in developing advanced military technologies but also supports the enhancement of the Australian industrial base,” Michie stated. He further added that the venture would equip international partners with next-generation solutions vital for secure and accurate operations under compromised GNSS conditions, thereby fortifying the burgeoning Australian-South Korean strategic relationship.
The partnership is strategically positioned to leverage Advanced Navigation’s expertise in digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) technologies and Hanwha’s robust aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. Hanwha’s facilities in Melbourne, including the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE), will play a critical role in supporting the production and sustainment of these advanced navigation systems. The H-ACE is equipped with multiple assembly lines, a 1,200-metre test track, and extensive research and development resources, setting the stage for future innovations in military technology.
Additionally, Advanced Navigation’s facility in New South Wales is set to enhance the secure production of strategic-grade DFOGs. This capability positions the company as one of the few globally that can manufacture such advanced technology, further solidifying Australia’s status as a leader in defence technology and national security.
Junghun You from Hanwha Aerospace detailed the broader impacts of this strategic alliance, noting, “Increasing our global supply chain capacity ensures that critical defence capabilities are maintained without interruption.” You emphasized that these technological advancements would not only cement Australia’s position as a frontrunner in defence manufacturing but also strengthen its national security framework on an international scale.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Australia’s defence technology landscape, promising enhanced capabilities and resilience in military operations across the globe.
