Lockheed Martin and KAI reinforce United States and South Korea defense aerospace ties.

During the 2025 Paris Air Show held in Le Bourget, Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding on June 17, 2025, to deepen their longstanding defense and aerospace collaboration. According to information published by the Korean Economic Daily, the new agreement will extend their existing partnership, known for the T-50 advanced trainer and FA-50 light combat aircraft, into emerging domains such as rotorcraft manufacturing, space systems, crewed-uncrewed teaming, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced training systems, and integrated sustainment capabilities.
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Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries sign agreement at Paris Air Show 2025 to expand collaboration into rotorcraft space systems and unmanned technologies. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

This expanded cooperation continues a strategic relationship that began with South Korean KAI’s licensed production of U.S. Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter jets in the 1990s. That foundational work enabled the successful co-development of the supersonic T-50 trainer and the FA-50, with Lockheed Martin supplying critical avionics and aerodynamic systems. These aircraft have since become pillars of South Korea’s defense exports, with active international sales campaigns and increasing relevance in programs such as the U.S. Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System.

The technological scope of the new collaboration is notable for its emphasis on multi-domain integration and next-generation operational capabilities. Crewed-uncrewed teaming, for instance, will likely build upon ongoing global efforts to develop autonomous combat drone systems capable of supporting manned aircraft in contested environments. These systems are expected to leverage AI-powered mission management, secure datalink communications, and low-observable designs to operate effectively alongside traditional fighter platforms. In the realm of space systems, Lockheed Martin's established expertise in satellite constellations, communications payloads, and launch vehicle integration offers KAI a unique opportunity to accelerate its ambitions in defense space architecture, including surveillance, early warning, and secure communications.

On the rotorcraft side, KAI could benefit from Lockheed’s Sikorsky division to develop advanced multi-mission helicopters, potentially incorporating fly-by-wire controls, modular mission systems, and reduced radar signatures. In terms of training and sustainment technologies, the agreement may enable the co-development of immersive virtual environments, live-virtual-constructive (LVC) training solutions, and predictive maintenance tools driven by digital twin modeling and AI analytics. These solutions are vital for modern air forces that require cost-effective, high-fidelity training and high aircraft availability rates.

Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John described the initiative as a commitment to delivering 21st-century deterrence solutions through close collaboration with key U.S. allies. KAI CEO Kang Goo-young underscored the importance of expanding into the U.S. and allied markets, enhancing the global competitiveness of South Korea’s aerospace sector. As highlighted by the defense-heavy focus of this year’s Paris Air Show, the agreement marks a decisive step toward positioning both companies at the forefront of next-generation aerospace development.