Defense & Military
Hanwha Systems Secures Boeing F-15 Avionics Contract in US Market
Hanwha Systems wins Boeing contract to supply Eagle Large Area Display for F-15 fighters, marking its first direct avionics export to the US.
This article summarizes reporting by The Chosun Ilbo.
South Korean defense firm Hanwha Systems has secured a landmark agreement with Boeing to supply advanced cockpit displays for the F-15 fighter jet program. According to reporting by The Chosun Ilbo on December 18, 2025, this contract represents the first time Hanwha Systems has exported digital avionics technology directly to the United States, marking a significant milestone for the South Korean defense industry’s global expansion.
The agreement focuses on the “Eagle Large Area Display” (ELAD), a next-generation interface designed to modernize the cockpits of the U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX Eagle II and the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) F-15K Slam Eagle. While specific financial terms were not disclosed in the report, the deal validates the competitiveness of Korean defense electronics in the highly stringent U.S. market.
The core of the contract involves the supply of the Eagle Large Area Display (ELAD). The Chosun Ilbo reports that this system replaces the traditional array of scattered instrument panels with a single, high-definition large screen. This consolidation allows pilots to view critical flight and mission data intuitively, aiming to improve situational awareness during complex operations.
Key technical features highlighted in the report include:
Faye Dixon, Director of Boeing F-15 International, noted the operational benefits of the system in the original report.
“The ELAD provides pilots with a high-resolution, large color display optimized for the F-15EX, enhancing combat readiness and maintainability.”
, Faye Dixon, via The Chosun Ilbo
This export success is described as a direct outcome of the “industrial cooperation strategy” spearheaded by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). In November 2024, DAPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Boeing to integrate more South Korean suppliers into the F-15K performance upgrade supply chain.
According to the report, Hanwha Systems is utilizing its experience in developing core avionics for the KF-21, including mission computers and AESA radar, to meet Boeing’s standards. A Hanwha Systems official emphasized the broader implications of the deal. “The export… is significant as it signifies recognition of Hanwha Systems’ avionics technology and quality in the U.S. domestic market.”
, Hanwha Systems Official, via The Chosun Ilbo
We view this agreement as a pivotal shift for the South Korean defense sector. Historically viewed primarily as a manufacturer of heavy hardware and structural components, South Korean firms are now successfully penetrating the high-value avionics and software market. By securing a spot on the F-15EX, a platform designed with an “open architecture” to remain relevant for decades, Hanwha Systems has effectively future-proofed a portion of its export portfolio.
Furthermore, the F-15 platform is widely used by allied nations, including Japan, Singapore, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Successful integration into the U.S. fleet likely positions Hanwha as a strong contender for modernization programs in these other nations, potentially challenging established Western electronics suppliers.
Sources: The Chosun Ilbo
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Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing