2 weeks Ago By Jung So-yeon
On April 16, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced that a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Defense Command visited its headquarters in Sacheon, South Korea, to tour major aircraft production facilities, including the next-generation fighter jet KF-21. This visit was part of ongoing cooperation and exchange between the air forces of the two countries, and included high-ranking officials from the UAE, led by Gen. Azzan Ali A.
Al Nuaimi, commander of the Air Warfare Center (AWC). Notably, General Al-Nu'aimi showed keen interest by directly boarding the KF-21 to inspect its performance and advanced avionics systems. During the visit, KAI provided the UAE delegation with detailed updates on the development status and production capabilities of its core aircraft, including the KF-21 and FA-50.
They also shared insights on the future potential for combining manned and unmanned systems as well as AI pilot technologies. Earlier, in February, KAI President Kang Gu-young met with UAE Air Force officials at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, where he discussed the capabilities and development strategies of the KF-21. KAI evaluated the visit as an opportunity for the UAE Air Force to directly experience the superior flight performance of the KF-21 and KAI's aircraft production capabilities.
They are particularly focused on the potential for collaboration with the UAE's next-generation fighter program. The UAE has been expressing interest in the KF-21 since last year and is considered a strategically significant partner for South Korea in the Middle East. KAI plans to continue its efforts to position the KF-21 as an optimal solution for the UAE Air Force's future capability enhancement projects.
Meanwhile, the South Korean government is actively supporting the export of domestically manufactured aircraft and has formed a cross-governmental "Team KF-21" to target overseas markets. This visit reinforces the ongoing mutual exchange and collaborative relationship between the air forces of South Korea and the UAE, culminating in the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for cooperation between air force chiefs and a celebratory flight by the Black Eagles aerobatic team. KAI hopes that such exchanges will further expand defense cooperation between the two nations.
“Through the UAE Air Force's visit, we were able to effectively demonstrate KAI's advanced aerospace technology and production capabilities," said KAI President Kang Gu-young. "We will work to expand export opportunities for the KF-21 in the Middle East and Africa.”.
