On June 18, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that it has expanded its strategic partnership with global defense leader Lockheed Martin into new and emerging sectors of the defense and aerospace industries. The announcement was made following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the 2025 Paris International Air Show, held at Le Bourget Airport on June 17 (local time).
The signing ceremony was attended by KAI President Kang Goo-young and Lockheed Martin’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Frank A. St. John, along with senior executives from both companies. The leaders emphasized their commitment to establishing a sustainable cooperation foundation and identifying future growth opportunities.
This new agreement aims to extend existing collaboration into advanced, future-oriented technologies. The partnership will involve joint development of cutting-edge systems, expansion of exports, and exploration of new markets. Key areas of cooperation include rotary-wing aircraft, combined manned and unmanned systems, AI-based autonomous systems, space technology, training systems, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), and performance upgrades.
Particularly, KAI intends to leverage this partnership to advance its entry into the U.S. Navy’s next-generation advanced trainer program, UJTS (Undergraduate Jet Training System), through joint marketing efforts with Lockheed Martin. The company also plans to accelerate its global market expansion.
KAI and Lockheed Martin have maintained a close collaboration over the past 30 years. Their partnership began with license production of the F-16 fighter jets in the 1990s, followed by the co-development of the T-50 supersonic high-performance trainer aircraft, and further expanded through collaboration on the FA-50 light attack aircraft. Throughout these projects, the two companies have achieved significant milestones in global exports and aircraft upgrades, strengthening their partnership.
KAI President Kang Goo-young stated, “This agreement signifies a strategic advance beyond our existing cooperation framework, responding to the paradigm shifts in the future aerospace and defense industries. We aim to lead technological innovation in advanced sectors such as fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, unmanned systems, and AI autonomous systems, while strengthening our competitive edge in the global market.”
Frank St. John, COO of Lockheed Martin, remarked, “Expanding this cooperation reflects our strong will to elevate the defense capabilities of Korea and allied nations. Leveraging our world-class experience and technology, we will contribute not only to the defense industry but also to job creation and economic value.”
Through this MOU, both companies will move beyond mere technological collaboration to proactively address future security environments and jointly develop new growth drivers for the defense and aerospace sectors.
