South Korean DAPA Signs Contract with LIG Nex1, Hanwha for Military SatCom Terminals

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a contract worth nearly $750 million with LIG Nex1 and Hanwha for mass production of military satellite communication system-II ground terminals.

The contract will be performed over a period of five years from 2021 to 2025.

 This project aims to secure the military satellite communication system-II with enhanced survivability and security according to the arrival of the life cycle of the currently operating military satellite communication system (ANASIS), DAPA said in a statement. These systems will be interlocked terrestrial terminals for fixed and vehicle use.

In order to improve satellite utilization, mass production will be promoted through consultation between related organizations through the 8th Defense Project Council, such as shortening two years by adjusting the amount of electrification by year.

When the military satellite communication system-II is successfully deployed, it will be possible to construct and operate a conversion system so that a part of the fixed communication network can be converted into a satellite communication network during normal times, and the satellite communication can be operated as the main communication network in case of emergency or wartime.

In addition, in the case of military satellite communication system-II terrestrial terminals, 48 ​​domestic companies related to key components such as modems, antenna devices, and software that efficiently process transmit and receive signals are expected to participate, contributing to vitalization of the domestic defense industry.

“Based on the active interest and effort of industry, academia, research and military officials, the military satellite communication system-II terrestrial terminal mass production project, which boasts a localization rate of 96%, is It is expected to greatly contribute to the strengthening of our military's power and the development of the space defense industry,” Gyu-heon Gyu-heon, head of the space command and communication business division of DAPA said.