Hanwha Systems begins developing active protection system for combat vehicles

South Korea's defense and IT service company Hanwha Systems Co. will develop core technology for an active protection system (APS), or state-of-the-art survival equipment that protects combat vehicles.

The company on Friday said it signed a contract with the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement, a government think tank that plans and manages national defense. Worth about 36 billion won ($27.5 million), the venture seeks to build an "Intelligent APS technology for next-generation infantry fighting vehicles against multiple threats."

To secure APS technology, Hanwha Systems by 2026 plans to make advances in the system as well as Directional CounterMeasures, or ground directional jamming.

The APS is a defense system that blocks attacks and neutralizes threats before anti-tank rockets and missiles attack armored vehicles such as tanks.

The company stressed the rising importance of the APS to improve the survivability and fighting power of combat vehicles given the expansion of battlefield areas.

"We will raise our global market share by securing core technologies for the APS and developing business models that penetrate both the domestic and overseas markets," said Kim Kyu-baek, head of Hanwha Systems' C41 and ground system division.

Write to Seo-Woo Jang at suwu@hankyung.com