AV and Korean Air sign Memorandum of Understanding to advance medium unmanned aircraft systems for the Republic of Korea

AeroVironment, Inc. (AV), a global leader in all-domain unmanned systems, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that positions Korean Air as its priority partner in the Republic of Korea.

This alliance will focus on integrating and adapting AV’s JUMP 20 Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft to meet the specific needs of the Korean Defense market. It also establishes a foundation for long-term joint research and development, sustained innovation, and local production – supporting efforts by the Korean Ministry of National Defense to grow its unmanned system infrastructure and expand manufacturing within the country.

“This agreement signals our growing international footprint, market presence, and commitment to delivering adaptable solutions in collaboration with trusted, in-country partners around the world,” said Larry Satterfield, AV’s Senior Director of Business Development for Asia Pacific. “With incredible mission flexibility and a rapidly growing global demand for the platform, JUMP 20 will anchor our partnership with Korean Air and meet Korea’s emerging defense needs.”

By leveraging AV’s operational track record and Korean Air’s defense ecosystem, the collaboration ensures Korea’s armed forces gain a mission-ready MUAS solution built to meet evolving regional and global defense challenges.

With proven endurance, range, and multi-payload flexibility, JUMP 20 is the ideal platform for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and a wide range of evolving mission demands. It has emerged as the global Group 3 platform of choice, with recently awarded contracts across Europe, including Denmark, Italy, and multiple other NATO allies.