Defense & Military
Kratos and KAI Partner to Advance Manned-Unmanned Teaming in Air Combat
Kratos and Korea Aerospace Industries form alliance to develop Manned-Unmanned Teaming systems enhancing air combat with interoperable drones and fighter jets.
Forging the Future of Air Combat: Kratos and KAI Unite for Manned-Unmanned Teaming
The landscape of aerial warfare is undergoing a seismic shift, moving away from a reliance on single, high-value piloted aircraft toward a more distributed, resilient, and lethal model. At the heart of this transformation is Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), a concept where crewed fighter jets operate in concert with autonomous, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), often called “loyal wingmen.” This approach multiplies a pilot’s capabilities, extending sensor range, increasing firepower, and allowing commanders to take calculated risks in contested environments without endangering human lives. The integration of these Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it is a strategic imperative for modern air forces seeking to maintain a technological edge.
In a significant move that underscores this global trend, U.S.-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. and South Korea’s premier aerospace Manufacturers, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), announced a strategic partnership on October 27, 2025. This collaboration is not merely a transactional agreement but a deep technological alliance aimed at jointly researching, developing, and integrating next-generation MUM-T solutions. By combining Kratos’s combat-proven, affordable autonomous platforms with KAI’s advanced fighter jet programs, the partnership seeks to accelerate the deployment of interoperable systems that can serve the defense needs of both the United States and its key allies. This alliance represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of air power, promising to enhance operational flexibility and create a more formidable, collaborative fighting force.
A Partnership Built on Complementary Strengths
The Kratos-KAI partnership is a textbook example of strategic synergy. Each party brings a unique and essential set of capabilities to the table, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Kratos has established itself as a disruptive force in the defense industry, specializing in the rapid development of high-performance, low-cost unmanned tactical aircraft. Their portfolio includes the XQ-58A Valkyrie, a stealth-capable Drones that has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s CCA experimentation programs. The Valkyrie is designed from the ground up to embody the concept of “affordable mass”, the ability to field a large number of effective, attritable assets to overwhelm an adversary.
On the other side of the Pacific, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) stands as South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, responsible for flagship programs like the T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer, the FA-50 light combat aircraft, and the nation’s ambitious next-generation fighter, the KF-21 Boramae. KAI provides not only advanced aerospace manufacturing prowess but also the critical platform that will team with these new autonomous systems. The collaboration allows KAI to de-risk its entry into the complex world of MUM-T by integrating a mature and tested system, potentially leapfrogging years of independent development.
The core objective of this alliance is to create scalable and interoperable MUM-T applications. This includes developing autonomous loyal wingmen that can fly alongside fighters like the KF-21, creating distributed sensing networks where drones act as the forward eyes and ears of the pilot, and enabling collaborative strike missions where uncrewed platforms engage high-risk targets. The focus on interoperability is crucial, ensuring that the resulting systems can communicate and operate seamlessly not just with each other, but with the broader allied force structure.
Bolstering a Critical Alliance in the Indo-Pacific
This partnership extends far beyond corporate interests, carrying significant geopolitical weight. It reflects a deliberate U.S. strategy to strengthen its alliances through co-development and co-production of critical defense technologies. By working together, the U.S. and South Korea are not just sharing hardware but are also aligning their operational concepts and industrial bases. This deepens the U.S.-South Korea alliance, transforming it from a traditional security pact into a robust technological and industrial partnership. The establishment of a vice minister-level Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee in late 2024 laid the groundwork for such collaborations, and the Kratos-KAI agreement is a tangible result of that high-level commitment.
For South Korea, this collaboration is a critical enabler of its national defense strategy. The nation faces a unique and pressing challenge: a projected sharp decline in its military-age population, which threatens its ability to maintain a large conscript-based force. In response, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has prioritized the rapid integration of AI and autonomy to offset these demographic pressures. Autonomous systems are seen as a necessity to maintain force readiness and technological superiority. While South Korea has indigenous loyal wingman programs in development, such as Korean Air’s Low Observable Wingman UAV System (LOWUS), partnering with an experienced firm like Kratos provides an immediate injection of proven technology and expertise.
“This partnership represents the next step in evolving how crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate together in contested environments. By combining Kratos’ proven autonomous jet systems with KAI’s advanced technologies, we are expanding the boundaries of affordable mass and collaborative combat capability for U.S. and allied forces.” – Steve Fendley, President of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division.
The ultimate goal is to create a more resilient and effective collective defense posture in the Indo-Pacific. Interoperable MUM-T systems mean that U.S. and South Korean forces can train together more effectively and, if necessary, fight together with a shared understanding of tactics and technology. This enhances deterrence by signaling to potential adversaries a unified and technologically advanced front.
The Future of Collaborative Combat
The Kratos-KAI partnership is a clear indicator of where air warfare is headed. The era of the lone fighter pilot is giving way to a new paradigm where pilots act as mission commanders, orchestrating a team of autonomous systems from the cockpit. This shift promises to make air forces more lethal, survivable, and adaptable to the complex threats of the 21st century. The collaboration will likely accelerate the maturation of MUM-T technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in autonomous flight, distributed sensing, and AI-driven decision-making.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership could serve as a model for other allied nations seeking to develop similar capabilities. The emphasis on co-development and interoperability ensures that as more allies adopt MUM-T, they can form a networked force capable of operating in a truly integrated fashion. The journey ahead will involve overcoming significant technical and doctrinal challenges, but the strategic alignment between Kratos and KAI provides a strong foundation for success, promising to shape the future of air power for years to come.
FAQ
Question: What is Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)?
Answer: Manned-Unmanned Teaming is a military concept where crewed aircraft, such as fighter jets, operate in synchronization with uncrewed autonomous systems, often called “loyal wingmen” or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The UAV act as force multipliers, extending the pilot’s sensor range, carrying extra weapons, and performing high-risk tasks.
Question: Who are the main companies in this partnership?
Answer: The Partnerships is between Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a U.S. company known for its affordable, high-performance drones like the XQ-58A Valkyrie, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), South Korea’s leading aerospace manufacturer, which produces aircraft like the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet.
Question: Why is this partnership strategically important?
Answer: It strengthens the U.S.-South Korea defense alliance by moving beyond traditional cooperation into co-development of advanced technology. It also helps South Korea accelerate its adoption of autonomous systems to address demographic challenges and enhances the interoperability and collective defense posture of allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
Photo Credit: Montage – KAI – Kratos
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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