Global defense giant Lockheed Martin Corp. and Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) on Tuesday agreed to expand their collaboration into future defense and aerospace technologies.
Lockheed Martin and KAI said they signed a memorandum of understanding at the 2025 Paris Air Show to expand their current partnership on air systems to include rotorcraft manufacturing and next-generation platform development, space systems, crewed-uncrewed teaming, uncrewed aerial vehicles, training devices, and sustainment.
"The extension of our collaboration with KAI reflects our commitment to advancing global security by partnering with US allies to develop, manufacture and sustain 21st-century deterrence solutions," said Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John in a statement.
The US aerospace and defense manufacturer and KAI, South Korea’s sole military aircraft manufacturer, have cooperated on various projects such as the joint development of the FA-50 light attack aircraft for more than 30 years.
KAI CEO Kang Goo-young (left) and Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John shake hands after signing a partnership expansion MOU on June 17, 2025, in Paris (Courtesy of KAI) US NAVY UNDERGRADUATE JET TRAINING SYSTEM
The two companies have already begun identifying opportunities to expand their collaboration, including ongoing efforts around the T-50 supersonic advanced jet trainer and FA-50 export programs such as the US Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System.
KAI aims to intensify joint marketing efforts with Lockheed Martin, leveraging the latest agreement, to enter the US market through the Navy’s program.
“The extension of our collaboration with Lockheed Martin will further strengthen our cooperation in the existing aircraft and fighter markets, including the US and global allies,” said KAI CEO Kang Goo-young.
Their partnership began with KAI’s licensed production of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter jet in the 1990s.
Lockheed Martin has supported South Korea’s defense and aerospace priorities for more than 30 years through strategic partnerships across both military and commercial sectors.
