Hanwha Aerospace’s latest acquisition of a stake in Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is emerging as a strategic blow to LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A), potentially undermining the latter’s prospects in any future bid in the state-controlled aerospace firm. The Hanwha affiliate purchased Monday additional 100,000 KAI shares — equivalent to a 0.1 percent stake. Combined with the 4.99 percent stake secured in March through other affiliates, including Hanwha Systems, Hanwha’s total ownership in KAI has risen to 5.09 percent. Crossing the 5 percent threshold carries regulatory implications, prompting Hanwha to revise its stated investment purpose from “simple investment” to “participation in management.” The company also signaled plans to acquire additional KAI shares worth 500 billion won ($338 million) by the end of this year, which could lift its stake to around 8 percent. The move is widely interpreted as more than a financial investment. Industry officials see it as a calculated step toward strengthening Hanwha’s position across the aerospace, defense and space value chai
