Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, and Cha Jae-byeong, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), pose for a commemorative photo after signing a memorandum of understanding on future core cooperation to strengthen Korea’s global defense competitiveness at Hanwha Building in central Seoul, Feb. 5. The agreement was signed at Hanwha’s headquarters in central Seoul, with senior executives from both companies in attendance. Under the MOU, the two firms agreed to collaborate on the co-development and export of unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft programs powered by indigenously developed engines with joint marketing, and cooperative entry into the global commercial space market.

Both companies bring more than four decades of experience to the partnership—Hanwha Aerospace in aircraft engines and KAI in fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft development and production. Each has also worked with the Agency for Defense Development on state-led UAV programs, positioning the alliance to accelerate system-level integration and export readiness.

As a potential pathway, the partners said they could cooperate on advanced aero-engine development and systems integration for future production variants of KF-21, alongside joint overseas marketing. They also plan to coordinate on global market entry for UAVs developed through allied technology partnerships.

Breaking from past industry practices, the companies will share supplier networks and run joint R&D and technical support programs to lift localization rates for materials, components, and equipment. The aim is to strengthen technological self-reliance while expanding opportunities for small and mid-sized suppliers.

To institutionalize cooperation, Hanwha Aerospace and KAI will establish a standing Future Aerospace Strategy Committee comprising senior leadership to steer mid- to long-term collaboration. The partners will also jointly identify and nurture SMEs, venture firms, and startups across South Gyeongsang Province—centered on Changwon, Geoje, and Sacheon—supporting a collaborative aerospace and defense cluster.

KAI CEO Cha Jae-byeong said the partnership would support the government’s balanced regional development agenda while expanding the global footprint of Korea’s defense exports.

Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il added that the MOU aims to “present a new model for exports and shared growth built on ecosystem innovation,” noting the collaboration with KAI would be scaled in phases across defense and aerospace domains.

K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk

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