Korea Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems to cooperate on next-gen UAS solution for ISTAR missions

The Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) and Elbit Systems Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand cooperation in the field of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

The cooperation will address potential UAS programs for the Korean Defense Forces, as well as additional global customers. The companies will cooperate to develop the next generation UAS solutions for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, based on both companies' technological experience in the unmanned field.

Elbit Systems is a leading UAS manufacturer with a portfolio of more than 10 different unmanned platforms from tactical-drones up to 1.5 ton Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAS (MALE). Elbit Systems' UAS are in operational service for decades and have been selected by more than 30 different customers in five continents, among them Israel, the UK, Switzerland, Canada, France, Brazil, Chile and others.

Korea Aerospace Industries has been taking a leading role in the Korean national aerospace industry with successful development of the KT-1 and T-50 Trainers, KUH-1 and LAH/LCH Helicopters, KFX Fighter (on-going), and satellites and space launch vehicles. KAI is also the pioneer in the Korean national UAS industry by developing the tactical UAS for the Korean Defense Forces.