Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on June 11 that it has signed an investment agreement with DBrain, a company specializing in advanced core technologies for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the day prior. Through this investment, KAI has secured a 37.04% stake in DBrain, establishing itself as the second-largest shareholder.
DBrain, established in 2013, is a company dedicated to developing small UAVs. With extensive experience in creating drone systems for military units and agricultural unmanned helicopters, the company specializes in flight control systems and lightweight aerospace electronic equipment. Notably, DeBrain possesses strong capabilities in flight control technology, including Operating Flight Program (OFP).
In 2023, DBrain was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Defense Innovation Companies” in the drone sector, underscoring its differentiated technological prowess.
KAI’s strategic investment aims to secure critical technologies and platforms related to small UAVs, expanding its business scope and reinforcing its leading position in the domestic unmanned aircraft market. The jointly developed small UAVs by KAI and DBrain are expected to be distinct from existing medium and large UAVs, contributing to expanded operational range and tactical versatility for military applications while also playing a vital role in advancing the civilian drone industry.
Particularly, small UAVs are considered ‘game changers’ on modern battlefields, with the global market projected to grow significantly—from $16.07 billion in 2024 to $47.16 billion in 2032 (source: Fortune Business Insights).
This strategic move coincides with South Korea's plans announced last year to more than double its small UAV fleet by 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of securing domestic small UAV technology.
