Hanwha Aerospace Romania, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Pusan National University (PNU) and the Polytechnic University of Bucharest (UPB) to promote joint activities in education and research and development between the three parties.
This trilateral partnership is part of Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s initiatives to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Romania, as the company is committed to expanding its collaboration with the local community alongside its planned construction of a land defense systems production facility in the country.
The signing ceremony took place at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, with the participation of Peter Bae, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania, and Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of UPB. Choi Jae Weon, President of PNU, joined virtually. His Excellency RIM Kap-soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania, attended the ceremony as an observer. Also present were Richard Kim, Business Development Director at Hanwha Aerospace Romania; Tudor Prisecaru, President of the UPB Academic Senate; and Horia Necula, Vice-Rector of UPB.
According to the memorandum, the parties will cooperate in areas such as scholarships, internships, talent recruitment, the operation of an R&D center, and defense education programs.
“This agreement marks a key step in Hanwha Aerospace Romania’s commitment to localization and community partnership, contributing to the enhancement of Romania’s industrial and defense capabilities,” said Peter Bae, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Romania. “This trilateral memorandum, in particular, will serve as a cornerstone for developing a local defense workforce and establishing a research and development center in Romania, in addition to the planned operation of an advanced production facility for land systems such as the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle.”
The CEO added, “Through this memorandum, Romanian students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build expertise in advanced defense technologies in South Korea.”
UPB Rector Mihnea Costoiu stated: “We are proud to embark on this journey of collaboration with a truly visionary partner, Hanwha Aerospace, and one of South Korea’s most prestigious academic institutions, Pusan National University. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to driving innovation in the global defense industry. We believe this consortium will genuinely foster technological excellence and educational cooperation, providing students and researchers with exciting new opportunities.”