“Establishing the foundation for next-generation aerial combat systems based on diverse weapon systems research experience”,
“Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on the 25th that they have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual cooperation and support’ with the Joint Drone Operations Command to expand collaboration in the fields of manned and unmanned aircraft, drones, Future Air Vehicles (AAV), and next-generation unmanned aerial systems.”
“Following this agreement, KAI and the Drone Operations Command plan to activate civilian-military exchanges for technological advancement in manned and unmanned aircraft. The two institutions also aim to expand exchanges such as joint seminars on drones and future air vehicles development, research and development (R&D) project collaboration, and concretize strategic cooperation for weapon system technological advancement.”
“KAI is currently working on the development of technology for ‘manned-unmanned composite systems’ that integrate helicopters and air-launched drones, as well as ‘next-generation aerial combat systems’ that integrate fighter jets, unmanned aerial systems, and satellites. The manned-unmanned composite system is expected to become a vital component on future battlefields. It is referred to as a game-changer as it maximizes combat effectiveness with fewer personnel and operating costs leading on the battlefield.”
“Since the successful development of the first corps-level reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle ‘Songgolmae’, KAI is now developing the next-generation corps unmanned aerial vehicle ‘Block-II’ based on long-endurance performance. Additionally, KAI is conducting research and development on small multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicles that can be equipped with various mission equipment for surveillance, communication relay, and attack purposes.”