Kratos, South Korea’s KAI Partner to Develop Manned-Unmanned Teaming Tech
US-based defense firm Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has formed a strategic partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to co-develop advanced manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities for future combat aircraft.
The collaboration will leverage Kratos’ expertise in tactical drones such as the XQ-58A Valkyrie and KAI’s experience in crewed aerospace systems. The goal is to integrate crewed and autonomous platforms for reconnaissance, strike, and electronic warfare missions.
The partnership will focus on developing scalable, interoperable technologies for US and allied forces, including “loyal wingman” drones and distributed sensor systems.
Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division President Steve Fendley said the two companies look forward to “expanding the boundaries of affordable mass and collaborative combat capabilities.”
KAI’s Expanding Global Defense Partnerships
The partnership marks another milestone in KAI’s push to deepen international defense cooperation and expand its technological footprint beyond Korea.
In recent months, KAI has signed multiple agreements to advance aircraft production, training, and unmanned systems integration.
Earlier in October, KAI partnered with LG Electronics to develop advanced flight simulators using artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies for the Republic of Korea Air Force.
In September 2025, the company also announced a joint research initiative with Hanwha Systems to develop next-generation avionics and autonomous flight technologies for future unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
In 2023, KAI secured contracts to export its FA-50 light combat aircraft to Poland and Malaysia.
