KAI partners with Dutch aerospace institute on developing AI combat systems

SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Netherlands Aerospace Centre to collaborate on developing next-generation air combat technologies.

The agreement seeks to combine the technical expertise and research infrastructure of both organizations to accelerate innovation in aerospace technology and strengthen preparedness for future battlefields, KAI said.

The Netherlands Aerospace Centre, or NLR, is one of Europe’s leading aviation research institutions, known for its deep experience in aeronautics testing, systems evaluation, and next-generation flight technologies.

Under the partnership, KAI and NLR plan to deepen cooperation in several key areas of future air combat systems — including mission autonomy, secure data links, and integrated technology demonstrations.

KAI has been investing heavily in autonomous and AI-enabled defense systems, such as its manned-unmanned teaming programs MUCCA and SUCCA, as well as in the development of artificial intelligence pilots. The collaboration with NLR is expected to accelerate those projects and bolster KAI’s competitiveness in the aerospace sector.

“This MOU marks a significant step forward in our long-term partnership built on trust,” said Kim Ji-hong, executive vice president of KAI’s Future Convergence Technology Institute. “Through this collaboration, KAI aims to evolve from a ‘fast follower’ to a ‘technology leader’ in next-generation aviation.”

* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.