Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have agreed to work jointly on future defense and aerospace projects.
Representatives from the companies signed a memorandum of understanding on February 5 in Seoul to strengthen South Korea’s aerospace industry competitiveness globally, according to a report by Aju Business Daily.
The pact targets joint development of unmanned aircraft systems and homegrown aircraft engines, as well as efforts to expand into the worldwide commercial space sector.
Hanwha and KAI said they will pursue research and development and export opportunities across multiple future systems. This includes work toward an advanced engine intended for the next generation of combat aircraft that could succeed South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 fighter.
To coordinate long-term planning, they will establish a regular Future Aerospace Strategy Committee involving senior executives from both companies.
Defense Partnerships for South Korea
South Korea’s defense industry has been increasingly active in forming major collaborative agreements with domestic firms and international partners over the past several years.
In 2023, South Korea partnered with Boeing to pursue joint research and development of advanced weapon systems and high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles.
In 2025, Embraer and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration agreed to expand cooperation in manufacturing, technology exchange, and market development.
The same year, KAI built a strategic partnership with US-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to co-develop advanced manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for future combat aircraft.
