KAI Discusses Space Project Cooperation with Saudi Ministry of Investment

Establishing a Foothold for K-Space's Global Expansion

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) met with the Saudi Ministry of Investment at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, which is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to explore potential cooperation in space projects.

Korea Aerospace Industries booth view at the World Defense Show. Provided by Korea Aerospace Industries.

On February 10 (local time), KAI held a meeting with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) at the exhibition venue. The meeting was attended by KAI CEO Cha Jaebyung and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, who discussed cooperation plans in future industries such as space, satellites and communications, and aviation that could be linked to Saudi Arabia's national mid- to long-term development strategy, Vision 2030.

The Saudi Ministry of Investment is the key ministry responsible for overseeing foreign investment attraction and strategic industrial projects, and it coordinates the overall industrial diversification policies and major national projects. Through this meeting, KAI began in earnest to explore possibilities for cooperation in the space and aviation sectors that are aligned with Saudi Arabia's national strategies.

KAI has been steadily strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the space and aviation sectors. In October 2023, the company signed a memorandum of understanding in Riyadh with the Saudi Space Agency to establish a mutually cooperative relationship in the space sector, and it is pursuing technology development and operations for pioneering the space market, joint commercialization, and new startup investments. At this exhibition, KAI also reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the Saudi Space Agency through additional meetings.

CEO Cha Jaebyung said, "Saudi Arabia can become a strategic partner for the overseas expansion of K-Space, going beyond Korean defense products such as the KF-21," adding, "We will prepare optimal proposals to expand cooperation in the space and aviation sectors in connection with Saudi Vision 2030."

Since building the first privately operated space center in 2020, KAI has been preparing for mass production and export commercialization of satellites for the New Space era, based on various satellite platforms such as the next-generation mid-sized satellite, 6G communication satellite, and small satellite. Starting with the Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite series, KAI has participated in major satellite development programs promoted by the government over the past 40 years, including geostationary composite satellites, next-generation mid-sized satellites, small satellites, and the 425 Project satellites, thereby leading the privatization of the space industry. The next-generation mid-sized satellites Nos. 2 and 4, for which KAI is the lead developer, are scheduled to be launched this year.

At WDS 2026, KAI showcased its main aircraft such as the KF-21, FA-50, and LAH, along with a future-oriented next-generation air combat system that applies manned-unmanned teaming, and also unveiled an ultra-small SAR satellite to highlight its technological competitiveness in the space sector. By leveraging its global network built through exports of Korean-made aircraft to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, KAI is also pursuing a package export strategy that links aircraft and satellites. Through this, the global market expansion of K-Space is expected to accelerate alongside the growth of the aviation industry.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.