Strategic Cooperation MOU Signed at Paris International Airshow
Scope of Collaboration Expanded to Encompass the Entire Future Defense and Aerospace Industry
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is expanding its areas of strategic cooperation with Lockheed Martin of the United States to encompass the entire future defense and aerospace industry.
On June 18, KAI announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lockheed Martin on June 17 (local time) at the 2025 Paris International Airshow held at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France, to expand the scope of their strategic cooperation.
KAI explained that this agreement aims to strengthen existing collaborative projects, expand cooperation in future new technology sectors, and jointly explore new business opportunities.
With this agreement, the two companies plan to establish a system that will allow them to proactively respond to paradigm shifts in the future defense and aerospace industries. To this end, they intend to expand and strengthen their strategic partnership in various areas, including joint technology development, export cooperation, and pioneering new markets. KAI and Lockheed Martin also agreed to strengthen their cooperation to enter the U.S. market, including enhancing joint marketing activities for projects such as the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) replacement program.
In addition, the two companies will actively promote cooperation and commercialization in new technology areas such as rotary-wing aircraft, manned-unmanned teaming systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous systems, space, training systems, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and performance upgrades.
KAI has continued its collaboration with Lockheed Martin since the 1990s, starting with licensed production of the F-16 and successfully completing the joint development of the T-50 supersonic advanced trainer.
Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin, stated, "The expansion of cooperation with KAI reflects our commitment to advancing global security in partnership with U.S. allies," adding, "This MOU aims to bring together the best experience and technology from the leading defense and aerospace companies in Korea and the United States, continuously strengthening the capabilities of both countries, creating jobs, and realizing economic benefits."
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