Korean Air Unveils Next Gen UAVs and AI Tech at ADEX 2025

Korean Air Charts the Future of Aerospace at ADEX 2025

The Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025 has firmly established itself as South Korea’s premier defense industry event, this year marking its largest iteration to date. With 600 companies from 35 nations converging at Seoul Airport, the exhibition serves as a critical stage for global aerospace and defense innovation. The prevailing theme is a clear pivot towards next-generation technologies, with a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, and integrated defense solutions. This event provides a vital platform for industry leaders to showcase their roadmaps for the future of security and aviation.

Amid this landscape of technological advancement, Korean Air has emerged as a central player, presenting a comprehensive and forward-looking portfolio. The company’s presence at ADEX 2025 is not merely a display of current capabilities but a declaration of its strategic direction. From advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for collaborative combat to strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering regional defense infrastructure, Korean Air is demonstrating a multi-faceted approach. The showcase underscores a commitment to pioneering technologies that will redefine both military and civilian aerospace sectors.

The core of Korean Air’s presentation revolves around the integration of manned and unmanned systems, a concept known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). This, combined with significant strides in AI-driven autonomous missions and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, paints a picture of a company building a vertically integrated ecosystem. The announcements and partnerships unveiled at ADEX 2025 signal a new chapter for the company, positioning it as a key architect of future defense and aviation technologies on a global scale.

The Next Generation of Unmanned Systems

At the forefront of Korean Air’s exhibition is a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles, highlighting the company’s deep investment in autonomous technology. Three distinct platforms were unveiled, each tailored for different operational roles within a networked battlespace. The lineup includes the prototype of the Low Observable Wingman UAV System (LOWUS), a prototype of a medium strike UAV designed as a loitering munition, and a full-scale mock-up of the small unmanned collaborative aircraft, the KUS-FX. This trio represents a strategic push towards a diverse and flexible unmanned fleet capable of addressing a wide spectrum of mission requirements.

The LOWUS and Collaborative Combat

The star of the show is undoubtedly the LOWUS, a platform designed to function as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This stealthy wingman is engineered to operate in tandem with manned fighter jets, extending the reach, sensing capabilities, and firepower of the entire force. The prototype’s specifications are notable: it measures 10.4 meters in length with a 9.4-meter wingspan and has a maximum takeoff weight of 5.7 tons, powered by an Ivchenko-Progress AI-222 engine. The system’s development has progressed steadily, having passed its Critical Design Review (CDR) in September 2023 and officially rolled out in February 2025.

The development timeline for the LOWUS is ambitious and points to a rapid maturation of the technology. The first flight for the prototype is scheduled for December 2025, a milestone that would mark South Korea’s official entry into the advanced CCA space. The LOWUS platform is the centerpiece of Korean Air’s Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) strategy, which aims to create a seamless operational synergy between pilots and autonomous systems. This capability is widely seen as a force multiplier, enabling more complex missions with reduced risk to human pilots.

Beyond the LOWUS, Korean Air is also advancing other key unmanned projects. The medium strike UAV, a loitering munition, is being co-developed with the South Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and is targeted for completion by 2026. This platform is designed to provide precision strike capabilities. Complementing these larger systems is the KUS-FX, a small collaborative aircraft designed for flexible deployment within the MUM-T framework. This diverse portfolio is built upon the foundation of proven systems like the KUS-FS strategic UAV, which boasts a 25-meter wingspan and an endurance of over 24 hours at altitudes up to 13,000 meters.

A representative of Korean Air stated, “Korean Air is solidifying its position as a global leader in unmanned aviation, backed by a diverse portfolio of advanced UAV platforms. We look forward to showcasing Korean domestic technologies on the global stage.”

AI-Driven Autonomy and Strategic Collaborations

Underpinning these advanced airframes is a sophisticated push into AI-based autonomous mission technology. The goal is to equip these UAVs with the ability to independently assess dynamic situations and execute complex missions without constant human intervention. This level of autonomy is critical for the successful implementation of MUM-T, where unmanned assets must react intelligently to changing threats and mission parameters. Korean Air is actively developing these AI systems in-house to ensure full integration with its platforms.

To accelerate these efforts, the company is forging strategic collaborations with global technology leaders. A key partnership was established in August with Anduril Industries, a company specializing in AI and defense technology. This collaboration is focused on the co-development of UAVs and the establishment of a local production facility to serve the broader Asia-Pacific market. By combining its aerospace manufacturing expertise with Anduril’s AI capabilities, Korean Air aims to create a new standard for autonomous defense systems.

This focus on AI extends beyond combat applications. The company is also displaying its latest AI-powered MRO solutions, which leverage artificial intelligence to predict maintenance needs, streamline repairs, and enhance the overall readiness of aircraft fleets. This dual-front approach, developing AI for both operational autonomy and logistical support, demonstrates a holistic vision for the future of aerospace, where intelligent systems optimize performance and efficiency across the board.

Expanding Global Reach Through MRO and Partnerships

While unmanned systems captured much of the attention, Korean Air also made significant announcements regarding its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) business, reinforcing its status as a critical player in regional defense logistics. The company’s long-standing experience in aircraft maintenance is being leveraged to forge new, high-level partnerships that expand its global footprint. This strategic focus on MRO is a cornerstone of its business, providing stable, long-term value and strengthening ties with key allies.

A Landmark Agreement with Lockheed Martin

A major highlight of ADEX 2025 was the signing of a partnership framework with the U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin. The ceremony, attended by Cho Hyun-chul, head of Korean Air’s military aircraft division, and Steve Sheehy, vice president of Lockheed Martin for sustainment operations, formalized an agreement for Korean Air to provide MRO support for U.S. military aircraft deployed across the Indo-Pacific region. This is a significant development that builds on Korean Air’s extensive experience with U.S. military hardware.

The company states it is the only entity in Korea with the capability to provide MRO and upgrades for over 3,700 U.S. military aircraft in the region, including key platforms like the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. This new framework with Lockheed Martin solidifies that role and sets the stage for deeper collaboration. It ensures that critical U.S. assets in a strategically vital region can be maintained with maximum efficiency and readiness, leveraging Korean Air’s established infrastructure and expertise.

Looking ahead, the partnership is poised for growth. Korean Air plans to expand its MRO collaboration with Lockheed Martin to include third countries that operate Lockheed Martin aircraft. This move has the potential to create new export opportunities and open up new defense markets, transforming Korean Air’s MRO division into a global service provider. It reflects a strategic intent to move beyond domestic and direct-support roles into a more prominent position in the international defense supply chain.

Innovating in Air Mobility and MRO

Korean Air’s vision for the future of aviation is not limited to the defense sector. In a joint exhibition with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the company is also presenting its achievements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This includes the showcase of its ACROSS (Air Control & Routing Orchestrated Skyway System) traffic management system. The ACROSS system is designed to manage the complex airspace that will be populated by future AAM vehicles like urban air taxis, demonstrating a proactive approach to the evolution of civilian transportation.

This work in AAM complements the company’s broader push towards technology-driven solutions. As mentioned, the development of AI-powered MRO solutions is a key initiative. By integrating AI into its maintenance processes, Korean Air aims to enhance predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve the overall lifecycle management of aircraft. This commitment to innovation ensures that its MRO services remain at the cutting edge, offering value to both military and commercial clients.

The dual focus on military MRO and civilian AAM showcases Korean Air’s unique position, bridging the gap between defense and commercial aerospace. The technologies and expertise developed in one sector often find applications in the other. The disciplined processes required for military MRO can inform the safety standards of AAM, while the innovations in air traffic management for AAM could have implications for coordinating unmanned military assets. This synergy is a key strength, allowing the company to drive progress on multiple fronts simultaneously.

A New Era for Korean Aerospace

Korean Air’s comprehensive showcase at ADEX 2025 leaves little doubt about its strategic ambitions. The unveiling of next-generation UAVs, the deep commitment to Manned-Unmanned Teaming, and the integration of artificial intelligence across its platforms collectively signal a major leap forward. These initiatives are not isolated projects but interconnected elements of a cohesive strategy to become a global leader in advanced aerospace and defense technology. The company is moving beyond its traditional roles to become an innovator and a system integrator on the world stage.

The strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin further cements this trajectory, anchoring Korean Air as a pivotal MRO hub in the Indo-Pacific and opening doors for future global expansion. As technologies like the LOWUS move closer to operational deployment, we are witnessing the tangible results of a long-term vision. The developments presented at ADEX 2025 are more than just a glimpse of the future; they represent a clear and decisive step by Korean Air and South Korea’s defense industry toward shaping the next generation of aerospace.

FAQ

Question: What were the main highlights of Korean Air’s showcase at ADEX 2025?
Answer: The main highlights included the unveiling of three new next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (Drones), a strong focus on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities, and the announcement of a new MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) partnership with U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin.

Question: What is the LOWUS?
Answer: LOWUS stands for the Low Observable Wingman UAV System. It is a stealthy unmanned aircraft, also known as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designed to team up with and support manned fighter jets. Its first flight is scheduled for December 2025.

Question: What is the significance of the partnership between Korean Air and Lockheed Martin?
Answer: The partnership establishes a formal framework for Korean Air to provide MRO services for U.S. military aircraft, such as the F-15 and F-16, deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement also includes plans to expand these services to other countries that operate Lockheed Martin aircraft, creating new opportunities for global market growth.

Sources: Korean Air Newsroom