Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have entered into an agreement to collaborate on future defence and aerospace programmes. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in Seoul on February 5 aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of South Korea’s aerospace sector, according to Aju Business Daily.
The agreement focuses on joint development of unmanned aircraft systems and indigenous aircraft engines, along with initiatives to expand into the global commercial space market. Both companies said they will pursue research, development, and export opportunities across a range of next-generation platforms.
A key element of the cooperation involves work on an advanced propulsion system for a future combat aircraft that could eventually succeed South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 fighter. To support long-term coordination, Hanwha and KAI plan to establish a standing Future Aerospace Strategy Committee comprising senior executives from both firms.
South Korea’s defence industry has stepped up collaborative activity in recent years, forging partnerships with both domestic and international players. In 2023, Seoul partnered with Boeing on joint research and development of advanced weapon systems and high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles.
More recently, in 2025, Embraer and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration agreed to broaden cooperation in manufacturing, technology transfer, and market development. That same year, KAI also formed a strategic partnership with US-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to co-develop advanced manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for future combat aircraft.
