Korean Air unveiled three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) today at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, taking place from October 17 to 24 at Seoul Airport in Seongnam and KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Seoul ADEX is one of the world’s leading defense exhibitions, featuring participation from defense companies, military officials, and buyers from around the globe. This year’s event marks its largest scale ever, with over 600 companies from 35 countries participating.
The aircraft showcased were the Low Observable Wingman UAV System (LOWUS) prototype, a medium strike UAV (Loitering Munition) prototype, and a full-scale mock-up of the small unmanned collaborative aircraft (KUS-FX).
The LOWUS prototype represents a key milestone in development of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities, a core- technology being pursued by defense industries worldwide. This system enables manned fighters and unmanned aircraft to operate as a coordinated team. As Korea’s first large, jet-powered UAV designed with low-observable features, the successful development of this MUM-T system is expected to advance Korea’s unmanned combat capabilities.
Developed jointly with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), the new medium strike UAV follows the successful development and production of the company’s small strike UAV. Korean Air aims to complete the development of this medium-class system by 2026.
The KUS-FX is designed for initial deployment in high-risk areas to conduct key reconnaissance missions.
In addition to the new platforms, Korean Air will display its full spectrum of unmanned systems, including the KUS-FS strategic-class Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV), the KUS-FT division-level reconnaissance UAV, and the KUS-VS Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV.
Korean Air is also pioneering AI-based autonomous mission technologies, enabling UAVs to assess situations and execute missions independently. This approach represents a paradigm shift beyond traditional remote-piloting, moving toward fully autonomous operations. To support this, the company is actively collaborating with global AI leaders like Anduril Industries.
Korean Air will highlight over 50 years of experience in military aircraft MROU (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade) services. Leveraging its expertise from projects in electronic warfare aircraft, airborne command and control platforms, and UH-60 helicopter, the company will present its roadmap for enhancing military aircraft performance. Korean Air will also emphasize its capabilities as a potential Asia-Pacific regional hub for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) while exploring new opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
At the joint exhibition booth with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korean Air will present achievements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations, including its ACROSS (Air Control & Routing Orchestrated Skyway System) traffic management system and its latest AI-powered MRO solutions.
“Korean Air is solidifying its position as a global leader in unmanned aviation, backed by a diverse portfolio of advanced UAV platforms,” said a Korean Air representative. “We look forward to showcasing Korean domestic technologies on the global stage.”
