SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have agreed to cooperate on key future defense and aerospace projects, including development of aircraft engines and unmanned aircraft systems, the companies said on Friday.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Feb. 5 at Hanwha Building in central Seoul aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of South Korea’s defense industry. The signing ceremony was attended by Hanwha Aerospace Chief Executive Son Jae-il and KAI Chief Executive Cha Jae-byung.
Under the agreement, the companies will pursue joint development and export opportunities in unmanned aircraft, collaborate on development and marketing of aircraft equipped with homegrown engines, and work together to expand into the global commercial space market.
Hanwha Aerospace and KAI, both long-time participants in South Korea’s state-led aerospace programs, said their combined experience in airframe and engine development is expected to generate synergies, particularly in next-generation defense platforms.
The companies plan to conduct joint research and development and technical cooperation, including work toward an advanced engine for a future aircraft expected to succeed South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 fighter jet.
They will also establish a regular “Future Aerospace Strategy Committee” involving senior executives to coordinate mid- to long-term cooperation plans.
Cha said the partnership would help expand exports of Korean defense products while supporting government efforts to promote balanced regional development.
Son said the agreement aims to create “a new model for exports and shared growth” across the defense and aerospace ecosystem, adding that Hanwha Aerospace plans to gradually expand cooperation with KAI in future projects.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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