Hanwha Defence Australia and AMSL Aero sign Partnership agreement

Melbourne-based Hanwha Defence Australia and Australian SME AMSL Aero have signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership to develop and sustain a mutually beneficial Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program for AMSL Aero aircraft. 

AMSL Aero develops and manufactures zero emissions VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). 

“This is an area in which Hanwha Defence Australia seeks to explore as we look to expand our localised capabilities and ability to leverage the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) facility,” said Dean Michael, acting managing director of HDA.

“Hanwha is a global leader thanks to its work in South Korea and we are looking forward to working with a local like-minded partner to bring our best of breed solutions together to support Australian industry.” 

AMSL Aero CEO Max York said the company was excited to partner with Hanwha and help boost Australia’s sovereign capabilities. 

“This partnership will play an important role in further advancing Australian made defence technologies, which will also contribute to the growth of local R&D, jobs, industry and related opportunities in this country.” 

This program will focus on advancing the manufacturing, production and further R&D of VTOL and drone technologies for Australian defence and civil projects, with a view to global market opportunities. 

The core focus areas for the collaboration will see both parties working towards: 

• H-ACE utilisation for high-rate production of UAS and eVTOL capability 
• Enhancing Australian Industry Capability (AIC) between the two parties and their respective supply chains 
• Integrate technology and manufacturing processes through R&D projects 
• Ensure compliance and certification with relevant military and civil standards 

Hanwha Defence Australia is a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, a division of the giant Korean Hanwha Corporation which has been operating in Australia since 2005 in areas including mining equipment, logistics and sustainable energy. 

Headquartered in Melbourne, Hanwha Defence Australia was established in 2019 with an initial focus on Land Systems. The company signed a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia to supply self-propelled artillery systems under LAND 8116, a $0.9 billion to $1.3 billion project. 

Hanwha Defence Australia signed acquisition and initial support contracts for LAND 400 Phase 3 with a combined value of approximately $4.5 billion dollars at the end of 2023. The contracts will enable the delivery of the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) capability to the Australian Army, Army’s largest ever acquisition program. 

All Hanwha vehicles will be manufactured in the Greater Geelong area of Victoria at the HDA Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE). 

AMSL Aero was founded in 2017 by Chief Engineering Officer Andrew Moore, an aeronautical engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in the aircraft industry, and Siobhan Lyndon (Co-Founder and COO), who has more than 20 years’ experience in the technology, telecommunications, and professional services sectors.