[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] #KNSI&Co., Ltd., a company specializing in satellite communication antennas, announced on the 10th that it has completed the development and delivery of a prototype military-grade low-Earth orbit (LEO) manpack antenna developed in collaboration with HANWHA SYSTEMS(272210).

KNS I&C Technology Co., Ltd. developed and delivered the prototype of the military-grade low-Earth orbit Manpack antenna as part of the “Electronic Flat-Panel Antenna (Ku-band ESA) Terminal Test Equipment Project” with HANWHA SYSTEMS. This Manpack antenna is a portable military communications device designed to allow soldiers to carry it themselves and operate low-Earth orbit satellite communications even while on the move. It utilizes a Ku-band ESA-based half-duplex communication method.

Furthermore, to enhance portability and mobility, the satellite communication antenna, control unit, portable backpack, and battery were designed as an ultra-lightweight, integrated unit. An external battery was incorporated to enable extended operation in the field, and the system was developed to meet the performance and durability requirements of military operational systems.

Building on the development and delivery of this prototype, K&NS I&C Technology Co., Ltd. plans to fully launch ESA-based projects—including low-Earth orbit satellite communication antennas and military satellite communication systems—through collaboration with domestic defense companies. Demand for low-Earth orbit (LEO) ESA antennas has also been confirmed in the global market. KNS I&C Technology Co., Ltd. participated in “SMM 2026,” held in Hamburg, Germany, from the 1st to the 4th, where it showcased the “Tiny UT,” a LEO ESA flat-panel antenna designed for OneWeb.

According to KNSI&C Technology Co., Ltd., approximately 20 companies inquired during the exhibition about certification schedules and product delivery timelines. Some companies inquired about the availability of test units, and confidential discussions were held with global defense and maritime companies regarding the applicability of the product to overseas submarine projects.

A K&NS I&C Technology Co., Ltd. official stated, “Through the development and delivery of this military-grade low-Earth orbit MANPACK antenna, we have demonstrated our ESA technology capabilities and expertise in the military satellite communications business,” adding, “We will expand our collaboration with domestic defense companies while accelerating the expansion of our ESA-based satellite communications business based on the global demand identified at SMM 2026.”