Kratos and KAI Partner to Advance Manned-Unmanned Teaming in Air Combat

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.

Sources: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.