Korean Air teams up with U.S. Anduril to launch AI unmanned aircraft, targets the future of aviation

[Financial News] Korean Air is accelerating its global digital transformation by unveiling a wide range of advanced future aerospace technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The company plans to publicly release test flight footage of an AI unmanned aircraft it is co-developing with U.S. defense firm Anduril Industries. It is also working with Boeing to commercialize AI-based maintenance, as it seeks to take the lead in the future aviation ecosystem through partnerships with ventures and startups.
Korean Air said on the 18th that it will participate in NextRise 2026, a major startup and tech fair held at COEX in Gangnam District, Seoul, on June 18-19, and showcase three core technologies: intelligent control, autonomous piloting and intelligent maintenance.
In the intelligent control segment, the company highlighted its in-house integrated control solution, ACROSS. Korean Air said it plans to use ACROSS, which is expected to become a key infrastructure for future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations, to help shape the direction of the air traffic system and contribute to the commercialization of eco-friendly mobility.
Autonomous piloting, which is closely tied to future combat systems, is also a major exhibit. Korean Air introduced the low-observable unmanned aerial vehicle squadron and the subsonic unmanned target drone it is currently developing. It also publicly released, for the first time, test flight footage of the AI unmanned aircraft it is co-developing with Anduril Industries, underscoring its progress in real-world testing. In addition, the company is working with Pablo Air, a domestic specialist in drone swarms, on a demonstration project for autonomous swarm flight technology that allows unmanned aircraft to cooperate and carry out missions on their own.
In the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) field, the company has introduced robots and AI to maximize industrial efficiency. Its Smart MRO technology uses inspection drones and ground rovers to capture detailed images of an aircraft's exterior, while AI instantly detects tiny defects and alerts maintenance staff. Applied in the field, the system can cut inspection time from 10 hours to just one. Korean Air is currently working with Boeing to commercialize the technology.
During the event, Korean Air will also display ACROSS control videos on an LED tower and show actual equipment. At a conference on aerospace defense and AI to be held on the 18th, the company will present technology guidelines aligned with the government's push to foster advanced industries. It will also operate one-on-one business consultation booths for startups.
A Korean Air official said, "Through this event, we will showcase our advanced strategic aviation technologies and strengthen cooperation and investment ties with related organizations." The official added, "Through ongoing technology exchanges with domestic venture companies and small and midsize partners, we will lead the digital transformation of South Korea's aerospace industry."
hoya0222@fnnews.com Kim Dong-ho Reporter