Korea Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems to Cooperate on Next-Gen UAS Solution for ISTAR Missions

Seoul, Korea and Haifa, Israel, March 15, 2021 – 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.

 

About Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI)

Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd., as a total solution provider in aerospace, has been taking leading role in national aviation industry and security with successful development of KT-1 Basic Trainer, T-50 Advanced Jet trainer, FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft, KUH-1 Utility Helicopter and RQ-101 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Currently KFX (Korea Fighter eXperimental) and LAH (Light Armed Helicopter)/LCH(Light Civil Helicopter) program which are the future growth engine are under development. In addition, KAI is extending its scope to space business by participating in the development such as Korea Multi-Purpose Satellites, Compact Advanced Satellite 500 and Defense Satellite, as well as Korea Space Launch Vehicle. For additional information, visit: https://www.koreaaero.com/.

 

About Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems is a leading global defense technology company, delivering advanced solutions for a secure and safer world. Elbit Systems develops, manufactures, integrates and sustains a range of next-generation solutions across multiple domains.

Driven by its agile, collaborative culture, and leveraging Israel’s technology ecosystem, Elbit Systems enables customers to address rapidly evolving battlefield challenges and overcome threats.

Elbit Systems employs over 20,000 people in dozens of countries across five continents. The Company reported as of March 18, 2025 approximately $6.8 billion in revenues and an order backlog of approximately $22.6 billion.

For additional information, visit: https://elbitsystems.com, follow us on Twitter or visit our official Facebook, Youtube and LinkedIn Channels.

Company Contact: 

Dr. Yaacov (Kobi) Kagan, ExecutiveVP – CFO
Tel: +972-77-2946663
kobi.kagan@elbitsystems.com

Daniella L. Finn, VP Investor Relations
Tel: +972-77-2948984
daniella.finn@elbitsystems.com

Dalia Bodinger, VP, Communication & Brand
Tel: 972-77-2947602
dalia.bodinger@elbitsystems.com