Doosan Enerbility and Korean Air have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on aircraft engine development and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) projects, marking a significant stride in South Korea’s push to bolster its domestic aerospace capabilities.
The MOU was formalized on April 16 at Doosan Enerbility’s headquarters in Changwon, with key representatives from both companies in attendance, including Go Min-seok, GT Development Manager at Doosan Enerbility, and Kim Kyung-nam, Director of the Aircraft Technology Research Institute at Korean Air.
The partnership brings together Doosan Enerbility’s advanced knowledge in power generation gas turbines—closely related in design and operation to aircraft engines—and Korean Air’s extensive experience in aerospace systems. Under the agreement, Doosan will lead aircraft engine development, while Korean Air will be responsible for aircraft systems, encompassing the integration and performance of various onboard technologies.
The joint effort will focus on developing engines for UAVs across multiple thrust categories: from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds-force (lbf) for medium to large UAVs, and between 100 and 1,000 lbf for smaller models. The scope of the project reflects a strategic alignment with global trends in UAV adoption, particularly in defense and commercial sectors.
This agreement builds on Doosan Enerbility’s growing aerospace footprint. In December 2024, it partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for aircraft engine development, and in January 2025, it secured a contract with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development for engine testing programs.
The collaboration with Korean Air underscores South Korea’s broader ambition to reduce dependence on foreign aerospace technologies and achieve greater self-reliance. As the global race for UAV and advanced aircraft engine capabilities intensifies, the partnership marks a pivotal move toward enhancing national security and asserting South Korea’s position among aerospace leaders such as the United States and France.