Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced on June 12 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Italy's GE Avio to collaborate on research for a key rotorcraft technology, the power transmission system, thereby strengthening their strategic partnership.
The MOU signing ceremony took place on June 11 at GE Avio's headquarters in Turin, Italy, attended by KAI President Kim Jong-chul and Vito Alfarano, GE Avio's Operations Manager, along with other senior executives from both companies.
GE Avio is recognized for its global expertise in rotorcraft power transmission systems and has collaborated with KAI on various projects, including the localization development of the Surion power transmission device (MGB).
Through this agreement, the two companies aim to pursue joint research and marketing efforts to enter the global aerospace parts market. They plan to combine their proven technological capabilities and global networks to jointly identify new overseas customers and establish a supply chain for components based on international certifications, thereby enhancing their market competitiveness.
In preparation for the expansion of future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) projects, they will also collaborate on advanced small and medium-sized aircraft engine technologies and hybrid propulsion systems. To ensure practical implementation, they will form a Joint Working Group (JWG) and continue regular technical discussions.
This agreement is significant as it goes beyond one-time technical cooperation to establish a strategic partnership based on joint research.
The partnership will not only enhance the existing MGB localization project but also explore new business opportunities, including research on power transmission system technologies applicable to next-generation aircraft and joint participation in European Union research and development funding programs.
KAI aims to leverage this collaboration to advance future projects based on rotorcraft core technologies, share development risks, and establish a foothold for entering global markets.
Kim Jong-chul, President of KAI, stated, "This agreement will strengthen the core technological competitiveness of South Korea's rotorcraft sector and expand our global cooperation network. We will continue to leverage our accumulated technologies to foster growth in the domestic aerospace industry and seize opportunities in the global aerospace parts market."
Vito Alfarano, Operations Manager at GE Avio, expressed hope that the collaboration with KAI will yield new technological and business achievements based on the expertise and experience of both companies.
Meanwhile, KAI achieved a significant milestone in April by successfully assembling and testing the Surion main gearbox domestically, marking an important step in securing rotorcraft core technologies.
Moving forward, KAI plans to enhance domestic MGB technology, improve the operational performance of existing platforms, and ensure the stable supply of key components for power transmission systems, which have previously relied heavily on imports, while expanding its business areas to include follow-on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and the development of export models.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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