Korea Aerospace Industries(KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, signed a memorandum of understanding(MOU) with the United Arab Emirates'(UAE) state defense company for strategic aerospace cooperation.

The MOU was signed on Tuesday by KAI and Platforms and Systems, both under the UAE defense conglomerate EDGE Group, during the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Under the deal, KAI plans to advance technological cooperation, research and production with its UAE counterpart in fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, drones and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.

KAI is also seeking to enhance South Korean exports in the Middle East.

The EDGE Group, founded in 2019 through the consolidation of 25 public and private defense companies, specializes in drones, guided weapons and digital warfare.