Korean Air and Anduril Industries Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Autonomous Aircraft Development Across Asia-Pacific
In a major step forward for defense and aerospace innovation in Asia, Korean Air has formalized a groundbreaking partnership with Anduril Industries, a U.S.-based defense technology firm renowned for its expertise in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven autonomous systems. The collaboration aims to co-develop and manufacture next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) tailored for deployment in South Korea and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The official announcement of the partnership was made during the inauguration of Anduril’s Korea office in Seoul. The launch event, hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Embassy in Korea, underscored the growing importance of bilateral cooperation in advanced defense technologies. Key representatives at the event included Jin Kyu Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Business Division, and Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril and a prominent figure in the global tech and defense space.
This agreement builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the two companies signed in April 2025, which laid the groundwork for a more comprehensive technical collaboration. With this new partnership, the scope of cooperation has been significantly expanded to include:
- Joint development of Korea-specific unmanned aircraft systems (UAS): Leveraging Korean Air’s experience in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) development and Anduril’s state-of-the-art autonomous systems, the two companies aim to design, engineer, and produce UAS models customized for regional operational requirements.
- License-based production and export: Korean Air will obtain licenses to domestically produce and, where applicable, modify Anduril’s proprietary defense technologies. These localized variants will not only serve South Korean defense needs but also be positioned for export to other Asia-Pacific nations, thereby supporting regional security and industrial cooperation.
- Exploration of local manufacturing capabilities: The agreement includes a strategic vision to establish manufacturing and assembly infrastructure within South Korea, supporting both domestic needs and regional export strategies. This could stimulate job creation, supply chain growth, and enhanced technological capabilities within the Korean defense sector.
A Technological Synergy
The collaboration between Korean Air and Anduril represents the convergence of complementary strengths. Korean Air, already a leading player in Korea’s UAV sector, has a history of developing surveillance and reconnaissance drones, target drones, and long-endurance systems for both civilian and military applications. This partnership could significantly accelerate the airline’s defense and aerospace trajectory.
Anduril Industries, on the other hand, is one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. defense tech space. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey (who also co-founded Oculus VR), Anduril has redefined modern defense capabilities with AI-centric products and systems that are revolutionizing battlefield operations. Its flagship product, Lattice, is a powerful AI software platform that integrates sensor data, autonomous vehicles, and command-and-control (C2) networks in real time. This level of integration enables rapid situational awareness, mission planning, and autonomous decision-making, all of which are vital in modern warfare scenarios.
Through this partnership, Korean Air will not only gain access to advanced technologies like Lattice, but also benefit from knowledge transfer and joint R&D programs that position it as a central player in the rapidly evolving unmanned systems landscape in Asia.
“This partnership combines Korean Air’s proven expertise in unmanned aircraft systems with Anduril’s cutting-edge AI technology,” said Jin Kyu Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Division. “This collaboration will enhance our capabilities and represents a significant milestone in the global unmanned systems market.”
A Strategic Move Amid Rising Regional Demand
The Asia-Pacific region is rapidly becoming a focal point for defense innovation and aerospace modernization. As regional tensions escalate and governments invest heavily in next-gen defense systems, the demand for autonomous and AI-driven aerial platforms is expected to surge. South Korea, in particular, has been increasing its defense budget in recent years, with a focus on strengthening its indigenous defense manufacturing base and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Through this partnership, Korean Air and Anduril are well-positioned to cater to these demands while supporting South Korea’s “Defense Reform 4.0” initiative, which emphasizes AI, automation, and unmanned systems as key pillars of national defense modernization.
Moreover, the ability to license-produce Anduril’s systems within Korea opens the door for localized innovation. This not only ensures interoperability with South Korea’s existing military assets but also provides the flexibility to adapt technologies to unique mission requirements, terrain challenges, and evolving threat landscapes within the Asia-Pacific region.
Industry Implications and Broader Impact
The collaboration could serve as a model for future U.S.-Korea defense partnerships, demonstrating how cross-border cooperation can accelerate innovation while promoting mutual economic and security interests. For Korean Air, the move underscores its transition from a traditional commercial airline operator into a full-fledged aerospace and defense enterprise, capable of contributing to national defense and regional security.
For Anduril, the partnership represents a strategic foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic defense markets. With its new office in Seoul, Anduril is expected to pursue additional collaborations, investments, and technology development projects in the region.
Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril, emphasized the importance of global partnerships in realizing the potential of autonomous defense systems. “Anduril’s mission is to transform defense capabilities through AI and autonomy. Our partnership with Korean Air aligns perfectly with that vision and gives us the opportunity to deliver impactful systems that are mission-ready, scalable, and future-proof,” he said.
The Korean Air-Anduril alliance is more than just a business deal—it is a strategic milestone in reshaping the defense aerospace ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific. As both companies move forward with joint development, localized production, and regional export strategies, their success could have far-reaching implications for military modernization, regional security cooperation, and technological sovereignty.
With UAVs and autonomous systems increasingly seen as force multipliers in modern warfare, the Korean Air-Anduril partnership may well define a new era of smart, adaptable, and AI-powered defense solutions for Asia—and potentially, the world.