Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have entered a deal expanding their long-standing partnership to collaborate in the areas of drones, rotorcraft, and space.
Signed during the Paris Air Show on June 17, their memorandum of understanding covers rotorcraft manufacturing, next-generation platform development, space systems, crewed-uncrewed teaming, uncrewed aerial vehicles, training devices, and sustainment.
The companies noted KAI’s intent to expand its presence in the US market, particularly through the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System initiative, which involves the T-50 and FA-50 export programs.
The extended collaboration reflects their commitment to advancing global security and strengthening cooperation in existing aircraft and fighter markets for the US and its allies, Lockheed Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John and KAI President and CEO Goo-young Kang stated.
“By combining the best skills, expertise, and technologies from the United States and Korea, we aim to boost capacity, sustain jobs, and deliver economic benefits in both countries,” St. John added.
US and South Korea Defense
The US defense contractor and South Korean aerospace manufacturer have been in a strategic partnership for more than 30 years, supporting a broader defense alliance between Washington and Seoul, anchored by the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1953.
Their relationship began with the licensed production of the F-16 fighter jet, of which the US maintains a permanent fleet in its East Asian ally’s territory, with reported plans to also deploy its F-35 aircraft.
This new level in their partnership not only modernizes military capabilities and interoperability in emerging technology but also supports South Korea’s wider ambition to become a top global arms exporter.
