Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the leading name in domestic aircraft development, is set to unveil its Next-Generation Air Combat System (NACS) at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025), opening on October 20 at Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Ilsan.
This cutting-edge system represents an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven manned-unmanned teaming platform, developed in alignment with the military’s vision of building a technologically advanced force leveraging artificial intelligence.
KAI officials stated on Friday that this year’s exhibition will spotlight manned-unmanned teaming systems and future aerial combat concepts. While previous showcases introduced these ideas, ADEX 2025 aims to present a concrete roadmap and implementation strategies.
The NACS will integrate manned aircraft such as the KF-21 and FA-50 with unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), multi-purpose drones (AAP), and next-generation high-speed utility helicopters, alongside low-orbit satellites, creating a comprehensive combat network.
KAI emphasizes that this integrated system will dramatically enhance operational efficiency and survivability of manned aircraft during joint missions.
A highlight of the exhibition will be the debut of the AAP, previously only seen in models or simulations. This high-speed drone boasts an impressive top speed of 802 km/h (about 498 mph), significantly outpacing conventional drones that typically operate between 100 to 300 km/h (about 62 to 186 mph).
Through the AAP’s development, KAI has mastered key technologies for drone control, including airframe design, flight control systems, electronic countermeasure systems, and data links. These advancements are expected to pave the way for future UCAV development, complemented by AI pilots serving as the brains of these unmanned systems.
While the AAP may be utilized as an expendable asset, the UCAV will be tasked with reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions. It will be armed with air-to-ground missiles and feature a stealthy design to effectively evade enemy air defenses.
A KAI spokesperson highlighted that manned-unmanned teaming is a global defense trend, spanning air, land, and sea domains. The successful integration of these systems with KAI’s manned aircraft platforms is expected to significantly enhance pilot survivability, mission effectiveness, and export market competitiveness.
At ADEX, KAI will also offer visitors hands-on experiences with fighter pilot training and maintenance through AI-powered Integrated System Support (IPS) and Modeling & Simulation (M&S) simulators.
From today through to Sunday, attendees can witness flight demonstrations of key aircraft including the KF-21, T-50 advanced jet trainer, and light armed helicopter (LAH) at Seoul Air Base.
The aerobatic displays by the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles team, flying KAI-developed T-50B aircraft, are anticipated to be a major crowd-pleaser.