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. 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). KAI is also the pioneer in the Korean national UAS industry by developing the tactical UAS for the Korean Defense Forces. 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.
KAI 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, and satellites and space launch vehicles. Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. 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/LCH 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 South Korea Multi-Purpose Satellites, Compact Advanced Satellite 500 and Defense Satellite, as well as Korea Space Launch Vehicle.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems, radios, cyber-based systems and munitions. 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.
