Embraer and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see both parties cooperating on new businesses and market development opportunities in the defense sector of South Korea.

The MoU was signed on the opening day of ADEX 2025 between Air Force Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee, Director of the Aircraft Business Division at DAPA and Bosco da Costa Jr., President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

"This MOU will serve as a significant opportunity for Korea and Brazil to move beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship and toward a model of mutual growth cooperation,” said Air Force Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee, Director of the Aircraft Business Division at DAPA. “Through strategic cooperation with Embraer, the DAPA will actively support the entry of Korean companies into the overseas supply chain and the expansion of Korean defense exports."

“The MoU reflects the growing partnership between Embraer and DAPA. It leverages on Embraer Defense & Security’s comprehensive capabilities across air, land, sea and space domains to explore avenues for collaboration, innovation and support South Korea’s evolving defense needs,” said Bosco da Costa Jr., President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security at the signing ceremony.

In 2023, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) selected the C-390 Millennium for its Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) public tender, providing the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft. The C-390 Millennium aircraft will be specially configured to meet ROKAF’s requirements, along with comprehensive services and support, including training, ground support equipment, and spare parts.

Embraer has a global supply chain and has been partnering with Korean companies since the launch of its E-Jets E2 commercial aircraft program in 2013. Last month, Embraer and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency KOTRA held a week-long roadshow in Sacheon and Busan which included visits and seminars aimed at identifying areas of further collaboration between Embraer and Korean companies.