Korean Air Makes First Appearance at MADEX, Unveils Vision for Maritime UAVs

Showcasing Capabilities and Technologies as a Comprehensive UAV Systems Company
Demonstrating Leadership in Military Aircraft MRO

Korean Air announced that it will participate in the 'International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2025,' held at BEXCO in Busan for four days starting May 28, to present its vision for future maritime unmanned aerial vehicles and showcase its capabilities in military aircraft maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).

Korean Air exhibition booth at the 'International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2025' held at BEXCO in Busan. Provided by Korean Air

MADEX is the largest maritime defense industry exhibition in Korea, held biennially, and this year marks its 14th edition. This is the first time Korean Air is participating in MADEX.

As a comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems company, Korean Air will showcase its advanced capabilities and the latest technologies related to UAV airframes. The booth will feature a low-observable unmanned wingman aircraft utilizing Korean Air technology, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered small cooperative combat UAV, a medium-altitude UAV, and a mock-up of the UH-60 helicopter.

Korean Air explained that the low-observable unmanned wingman aircraft, which can perform various missions in collaboration with manned fighter jets, has been partially upgraded so that it can also be operated from a naval unmanned aircraft carrier. Additionally, the company plans to propose new UAV solutions tailored specifically for the Navy.

At this exhibition, Korean Air will also demonstrate its status as a traditional leader in the military aircraft MRO sector. Since 1978, Korean Air has been engaged in military aircraft maintenance projects. Since 1997, it has accumulated expertise in the naval sector by performing depot maintenance for the Navy's Lynx maritime operation helicopters, P-3C maritime patrol aircraft, and F-406 towing aircraft. More recently, Korean Air has proven its technological capabilities by winning the contract for the performance upgrade project of the Korean military's UH-60 helicopters.

A Korean Air representative stated, "We will present a vision for future maritime UAVs with Navy-specialized, customized solutions, and prepare for a new leap forward based on our know-how in depot maintenance and performance upgrades for fighter jets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.