- Kratos Defense and Korea Aerospace Industries have announced a strategic partnership to develop Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) technologies.
- The collaboration will focus on autonomous systems integration, joint research, and scalable applications including loyal wingmen and collaborative strike missions.
U.S.-based Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has announced a new strategic partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) aimed at accelerating the development of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technologies for U.S. and allied forces.
According to a press release, the collaboration will combine the company’s experience in autonomous tactical aircraft—including the XQ-58A Valkyrie, Mako, and Tactical Firejet—with KAI’s aerospace capabilities to create next-generation systems that integrate both crewed and uncrewed platforms. The focus of the effort is to deliver scalable, affordable, and interoperable combat solutions that enhance operational flexibility.
“This partnership represents the next step in evolving how crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate together in contested environments,” said Steve Fendley, President of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division. “By combining Kratos’ proven autonomous jet systems with KAI’s advanced technologies, we are expanding the boundaries of affordable mass and collaborative combat capability for U.S. and allied forces.”
In a statement, Kratos President and CEO Eric DeMarco added, “Kratos has long believed that strategic international partnerships are key to ensuring readiness and deterrence through innovation. Our collaboration with KAI, a world-class Korean organization, underscores our shared commitment to developing advanced, interoperable defense technologies that strengthen allied capability, resilience, and industrial cooperation.”
As noted by Kratos, the partnership will support joint research and integration of MUM-T platforms including autonomous loyal wingmen, distributed sensing systems, and collaborative strike capabilities. The companies plan to explore opportunities for co-development, production, and export in alignment with U.S. and allied defense priorities.
KAI has not released a separate statement, but the company has previously emphasized the importance of integrating AI and unmanned technologies across its aerospace portfolio, including fighter aircraft and future aerial combat systems.
Kratos’ unmanned aircraft, particularly the XQ-58A Valkyrie, have played a prominent role in recent U.S. Air Force experimentation aimed at pairing AI-enabled drones with piloted aircraft under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The company’s focus on low-cost, high-performance jet drones positions it as a key player in the broader push to modernize air combat with autonomous systems.