Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). Source: Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Genohco.

The collaboration focuses on advancing the Republic of Korea’s mine countermeasures helicopter programme (KMCH), spotlighting a commitment to mine detection and neutralisation capabilities.

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By engaging Genohco—a South Korean defence and aerospace communications company—Northrop Grumman aims to leverage local manufacturing strengths to support the production of airborne laser mine detection system (ALMDS) hardware components.

The partnership follows a 2023 contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), in which Northrop Grumman provided ALMDS solutions and technical support. The MOU further amplifies this collaboration, aiming to streamline the manufacturing process and enhance system capabilities for the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of National Defence.

As a supplier, Genohco will contribute its knowledge of satellite communications, electronic warfare, and radar systems. This move strengthens the supply chain and positions both companies to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the global defence market.

South Korea’s defence budget is set to increase to $54.7bn by 2029, driven by escalating threats from North Korea. This boost is up from $45.2bn in 2024.

Janice Zilch, Northrop Grumman’s vice president of multi-domain command and control programs, emphasised the significance of such international partnerships: “Collaborations with companies such as Genohco and KAI are key to Northrop Grumman’s approach to technology development across the globe.”

Richard D. Yoo, Genohco’s senior director of business development, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Working with Northrop Grumman, a world leader in the defence industry. Projects like the KMCH program allow global contractors to collaborate with the Korean industry. Being part of Northrop Grumman’s supply chain network, we look forward to providing innovative solutions together in the global market.”

Navies worldwide are increasingly investing in unmanned and autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities to address the ongoing threat of sea mines, which have been historically dangerous and cost-effective weapons. These advancements include using unmanned surface vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles for mine detection, hunting, and neutralisation tasks.

The ALMDS, central to this initiative, is known for its ability to detect, classify, and precisely locate mines, thanks to its day and night operational capabilities.

This new partnership is a notable development in South Korea’s defence initiatives, which are in the future of advanced, cooperative defence solutions.