Signing Ceremony Held at ADEX 2025 on the 22nd
Contributing to the Timely Deployment of U.S. Military Assets in the Indo-Pacific Region
Korean Air has partnered with Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense company, to collaborate on follow-up military logistics support for U.S. military aircraft, contributing to the enhancement of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities.
On October 22, at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, Korean Air and Lockheed Martin signed a partnership framework to support the maintenance of U.S. military assets in the Indo-Pacific region and third countries, and to contribute to the timely deployment of military capabilities.
The signing ceremony was attended by Cho Hyuncheol, Head of Military Aircraft Business Division at Korean Air, and Steve Seehi, Vice President of Operations and Maintenance Business Development at Lockheed Martin.
Through this project, Korean Air plans to dramatically enhance the operational capabilities of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region and contribute to the timely deployment of military assets. Based on this cooperation, the company also aims to expand its business into third countries operating Lockheed Martin aircraft, actively seeking opportunities to enter the global defense market and increase exports.
At the signing ceremony, Cho Hyuncheol, Head of Military Aircraft Business Division at Korean Air (left), and Steve Seehee, Vice President of Operations and Maintenance Business Development at Lockheed Martin, pose for a commemorative photo. Provided by Korean Air
Cooperation in Line with U.S. RSF Policy... Recognized for Global MROU Capabilities
This collaboration is in line with the U.S. Department of Defense's recently announced Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) policy. The RSF is a strategy to establish regional maintenance hubs by leveraging the capabilities of Indo-Pacific allies, thereby improving the efficiency of overseas maintenance previously managed directly by the United States. The goal is to maintain the highest level of operational readiness by reducing the significant time and costs involved in transporting assets back to the U.S. mainland for repairs.
Korean Air is considered an optimal partner for the U.S. RSF policy, thanks to its geographical advantage in efficiently maintaining U.S. military equipment in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as its advanced technical expertise and extensive experience.
For over 50 years, Korean Air has been engaged in the development, mass production, maintenance, and performance upgrades of military aircraft systems. The company has performed maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade (MROU) services for more than 3,700 U.S. military aircraft across the Indo-Pacific, including fighter jets and multipurpose helicopters.
Expanding into Third Countries... "Elevating Korea's Global Defense Status"
Korean Air expects this cooperation to enable expansion into third countries operating Lockheed Martin aircraft. The two companies have agreed to actively pursue opportunities to enter the global defense market and increase exports through their partnership.
Lockheed Martin, through advanced technology and innovation, provides cutting-edge military equipment and defense solutions to the United States, Korea, and numerous countries worldwide. Its flagship platforms include the F-35, F-16, and F-22 fighter jets, the C-130J transport aircraft, the MH-60R maritime helicopter, and the UH-60 multipurpose helicopter. Notably, the F-16 fighter jet, developed in the 1970s, is still in operation in more than 29 countries. The Republic of Korea Air Force has also adopted the F-16 as its main fighter since the 1980s, playing a pivotal role in national air defense.
Korean Air is supporting Lockheed Martin’s ongoing technological innovation through the F-16 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). The company successfully delivered the first upgraded aircraft in 2022, extending its operational life by an additional 4,000 hours (about 20 years) through structural reinforcement.
Additionally, Korean Air has established itself as a key partner for follow-up military logistics support for U.S. military aircraft by performing overhaul and performance upgrades for Lockheed Martin rotary-wing aircraft operated by U.S. Forces Japan, such as the UH/HH-60 and CH-53 helicopters, as well as other rotary-wing platforms including drones.
A Korean Air representative stated, "This partnership with Lockheed Martin will serve as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the United States and other global allies," adding, "Korean Air will contribute to elevating the global status of Korea’s defense industry through the technical expertise and infrastructure accumulated over the past 50 years."
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