Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), having achieved success in developing its own aircraft, is now advancing its second phase of growth by embracing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. In February, KAI announced a 102.5 billion won investment in core technologies for the next-generation air combat system. This investment aims to secure advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, autonomy, and unmanned systems, essential for the envisioned “6th generation battlefield system.”
This battlefield system, led by AI, represents a sophisticated network where various battlefield assets, including manned and unmanned aircraft, are seamlessly interconnected. Notably, the United States leads the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, while the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is pursued by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.
At this year’s World Defense Show (WDS) and Drone Show Korea, KAI unveiled the Next Generation Aerial Combat System (NACS) based on the KF-21 platform. This system integrates manned fighters, unmanned fighters, and multipurpose drones, leveraging microsatellites and geostationary satellites for enhanced capabilities. KAI is also actively developing AI pilots, a pivotal technology for integrated manned and unmanned combat systems. Additionally, KAI has embarked on research and development endeavors for an “AI-based simulated flight training system” for the Air Force and is concurrently developing AI virtual aircraft for future Air Force pilot training.
KAI is extending its AI technology across all business domains. For instance, plans are underway to apply AI to aircraft production processes for quality defect identification, design optimization, and predictive maintenance. By integrating AI into design, production, testing, evaluation, and support phases, KAI anticipates cost reductions and accelerated development timelines.
Currently, KAI boasts a portfolio of diverse aircraft platforms, encompassing fixed-wing and rotary-wing categories, showcasing world-class technology and testing expertise. Last year, KAI embarked on research into AI pilot technologies, focusing on the most challenging aircraft control aspects, and is now gearing up for flight validation using a scaled-down model of an independently developed multipurpose drone.
Identifying the next-generation air combat system and space mobility business as its future cornerstones, KAI announced its ‘Global KAI 2050 Vision’ last year. The Advanced Air Vehicle (AAV) represents a synthesis of KAI’s expertise in fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft development, coupled with Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Additionally, through the space mobility business, KAI aims to drive down launch costs for defense satellites, contributing to the burgeoning space economy.
A KAI official emphasized, “Internally, there’s been discussion about KAI’s mission being ‘K-AI,’ highlighting our technological leadership in the aerospace sector.” They further declared, “We are committed to positioning Korea among the world’s top four aerospace industries, spearheading future advancements, and designating this year as the inauguration of future businesses.”
