OneWeb Targets Australian Defense Market with MoU with Hanwha Systems

Photo: Government of South Australia

OneWeb is teaming up with Hanwha Systems Corporation (HSC) and Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) as it looks to target the defense market in Australia. The company announced July 20 that it had signed an MoU with two of Korea’s leading defense companies to explore the joint provision of connectivity services to the Australian defense market.

The MoU will facilitate discussions between the three companies about how they may combine their capabilities to meet the requirements for the Australian Military Satellite Tactical Internet Program. By combining OneWeb’s high-speed, low latency Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services and HSC’s satellite communication antenna, currently under development, HSC is aiming to provide satellite internet solutions for the Australian military customers’ platforms.

OneWeb has already launched close to 430 satellites and has almost 70% of its network deployed. The company has initiated services in the Arctic region and is working to expand its capabilities in the coming years to bring coverage for the Australian military and other global markets.

Hanwha Systems is an investor in OneWeb and previously joined the company’s ownership consortium with a $300 million investment for an 8% share in the company.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Hanwha to utilize our satellite connectivity solutions in the Australian defense market. We know firsthand how Hanwha’s high-quality technological thinking and development complements the capabilities of OneWeb’s LEO network, ensuring customers worldwide benefit from improved connectivity,” Neil Masterson, CEO of OneWeb, said in a statement.