KAI Succeeds in First Formation Flight of FA-50 and Drone... Accelerates MUM-T Development

Fly for 20 minutes while maintaining a distance of 30 to 100 feet
Use an internally developed 150-kilogram-class high-speed drone
Expand development of AI-based formation flight and unmanned combat aircraft

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has completed the first formation flight of its FA-50 light attack aircraft and its internally developed AAP multipurpose drone. Building on this achievement, the company plans to accelerate development of AI-based manned-unmanned teaming systems.

On the 8th, AAP, a multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), turns during formation flight with an FA-50 over waters south of Goheung, South Jeolla Province. KAI

KAI said on October 12 that the FA-50 and AAP successfully conducted a formation flight on October 8 over waters south of Goheung, Jeollanam-do.

The flight lasted 20 minutes at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters and a speed of 360 km/h. The FA-50 and AAP flew stably while maintaining a distance of 30 to 100 feet (approximately 9 to 30 meters). The AAP has a maximum flight speed of 790 km/h, and KAI plans to gradually expand its flight speed and operational range.

The AAP is a 150-kilogram-class high-speed drone that KAI has been developing with its own investment since 2024. It is equipped with a jet engine and measures 3.1 meters in length, with a wingspan of 2.2 meters. After completing its maiden flight in October 2025, it has continued to undergo test flights.

KAI is advancing autonomous flight technology by equipping the AAP with KAiLOT, its internally developed AI pilot. The AAP is being developed to perform a range of missions alongside manned fighter aircraft, including reconnaissance, electronic jamming, deception, and strikes.

Manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) is a system in which manned fighter aircraft and drones work together to carry out missions. One advantage is that drones can be sent into dangerous areas, reducing risks to pilots while enhancing operational capabilities.

KAI plans to use data gathered during this flight to advance AI-based multi-aircraft formation flight technology. The company will conduct demonstrations in which the FA-50 controls the AAP's mission as they fly together, and it also plans to secure technologies needed to develop an unmanned combat aircraft (MUCCA).

KAI President Kim Jongchul said, "This formation flight is significant because it confirmed the operational feasibility of manned-unmanned teaming through an actual flight involving a manned aircraft and a drone for the first time in South Korea. We will continue developing related technologies to contribute to the advancement of future airpower."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.