AeroVironment(AV) and Korean Air have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and localization of medium unmanned aircraft systems (MUAS) for the Republic of Korea’s defense market.
The agreement designates Korean Air as AeroVironment’s primary partner in the country and outlines plans to integrate and adapt AV’s JUMP 20 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft to meet Korea’s defense requirements. The partnership will also involve joint research and development, local production, and long-term technology cooperation.
According to AeroVironment, the initiative supports the Korean Ministry of National Defense’s efforts to enhance domestic unmanned system capabilities and expand local manufacturing in the defense sector.
“This agreement signals our growing international footprint, market presence, and commitment to delivering adaptable solutions in collaboration with trusted, in-country partners around the world,” said Larry Satterfield, Senior Director of Business Development for Asia Pacific at AeroVironment. “With incredible mission flexibility and a rapidly growing global demand for the platform, JUMP 20 will anchor our partnership with Korean Air and meet Korea’s emerging defense needs.”
The collaboration aims to combine AeroVironment’s operational experience with Korean Air’s established defense infrastructure to deliver a mission-ready MUAS tailored for regional and global defense challenges.
JUMP 20, a Group 3 unmanned aerial system, offers long endurance, extended range, and multi-payload flexibility, enabling advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The system has already secured multiple contracts across Europe, including with Denmark, Italy, and several other NATO member states.
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