Korean Air unveiled three unmanned aerial vehicles at Seoul ADEX 2025, showcasing advanced autonomous aircraft systems. The aircraft displayed at KINTEX in Goyang included the Low Observable Wingman UAV System (LOWUS) prototype, a medium strike UAV prototype, and a full-scale mock-up of the KUS-FX small unmanned collaborative aircraft.
Seoul ADEX 2025 drew participation from 600 companies across 35 countries from October 17-24 at Seoul Airport in Seongnam and KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming Technology
The LOWUS prototype represents Korean Air’s development of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities, enabling coordination between manned fighters and unmanned aircraft. As Korea’s first large, jet-powered UAV with low-observable features, Aviation Week reports the system’s first flight is scheduled for December, marking South Korea’s debut Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Korean Air developed the medium strike UAV prototype with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), targeting completion by 2026. The KUS-FX is designed for initial deployment in high-risk reconnaissance missions.
Existing Systems and AI Development
Korean Air displayed its unmanned systems lineup including the KUS-FS strategic-class Medium-Altitude UAV, the KUS-FT division-level reconnaissance UAV, and the KUS-VS VTOL UAV. The KUS-FS features a 25-meter wingspan and operates at altitudes up to 13,000 meters with endurance exceeding 24 hours.
The company is developing AI-based autonomous mission technologies enabling UAVs to assess situations and execute missions independently, moving beyond traditional remote-piloting. Korean Air established collaboration with Anduril Industries in August for UAV co-development and local production facility establishment in the Asia-Pacific market.
Korean Air also presented its ACROSS (Air Control & Routing Orchestrated Skyway System) traffic management system for Advanced Air Mobility operations alongside AI-powered MRO solutions.
“Korean Air is solidifying its position as a global leader in unmanned aviation, backed by a diverse portfolio of advanced UAV platforms,” said a Korean Air representative. “We look forward to showcasing Korean domestic technologies on the global stage”.
More information about Korean Air is available here.
About Korean Air
Serving the world for more than 55 years, Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, carrying more than 23 million passengers in 2024. With its global hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the airline serves 116 cities in 39 countries on five continents with a modern fleet of 163 aircraft and over 20,000 professional employees.
Korean Air’s outstanding performance and commitment to the highest level of safety and customer service has widely been recognized. The airline has been granted numerous awards including a 5-star airline rating from Skytrax as well as Airline of the Year from both Air Transport World and Airline Ratings. Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
