KAI-Airbus signed a strategic MOU to strengthen aerospace cooperation

KAI (Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.) and Airbus, a leading global aerospace company, have agreed to expand comprehensive cooperation in the defense and aerospace sectors.

KAI and Airbus announced on the 20th that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, where the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) is being held, to expand their cooperation.

Key executives from both companies, including KAI CEO Cha Jae-byung, Anand Stanley, President and CEO of Asia Pacific, and Airbus Korea CEO Lee Hee-hwan, attended the signing ceremony. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation, including technological exchanges, joint research, and business opportunities across the aerospace and defense industries.

With this agreement, the two companies plan to explore collaboration in various aerospace fields. These include special mission aircraft, high-speed medium-lift helicopters, KF-21 and FA-50 aerial refueling flight tests, and strengthening military satellite communications capabilities.

For the past 20 years, KAI has maintained diverse collaborations with Airbus in the defense and aerospace industries, including joint development, technological cooperation, and industrial partnerships based on mutual trust.

Beginning with the development of the Korea Utility Helicopter (KUH, Surion), KAI has continued its collaboration with Airbus in the defense sector, including the Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) and the certification technology transfer for the KF-21 Aerial Refueling Tanker. Furthermore, the company has expanded its technological cooperation through the supply of civil aircraft structures and components.

Through this MOU, the two companies will strengthen their cooperation in future new technologies and explore new joint projects, expanding beyond existing projects and developing a long-term, comprehensive business partnership.

KAI CEO Cha Jae-byung stated, "This expanded collaboration marks a significant milestone in strengthening the competitiveness of the Korean aerospace industry. We will achieve sustainable growth and leadership in future technologies through this strategic partnership built on mutual trust."

Anand Stanley, President and CEO of Airbus Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to take our relationship with KAI to the next level through this comprehensive framework MOU. Korea is a key strategic partner for Airbus, and this agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the growth of the Korean aerospace industry.”