Hanwha Raises KAI Stake to 9.04%, Becomes No. 2 Shareholder

Hanwha Group raised its combined stake in Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to 9.04%, becoming the second-largest shareholder after the Export-Import Bank of Korea (26.41%). Hanwha Aerospace acquired 3.02 million shares for 499.9 billion won ($332 million) to reach a 6.5% direct stake, while Hanwha Systems holds 1.53% and Hanwha Aerospace USA holds 1.01%. The group plans to continue purchasing shares through year-end with a target exceeding 12%, aiming to create an integrated defense ecosystem spanning aircraft, weapons systems, and space technologies.