Kookmin Univ. Defense Unmanned R&D Center Holds Technical Seminar with GE Aerospace

Kookmin University, through its Defense Unmanned Systems R&D Center, has taken a significant step in advancing future defense technologies by co-hosting a technical seminar with GE Aerospace. Held on April 22, 2026, this event signifies a crucial collaboration between academia and industry, focusing on the cutting edge of unmanned systems (UxS) and optionally manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technologies. The seminar provided a vital platform for sharing the latest research and development trends in artificial intelligence, autonomy, and avionics, areas that are rapidly reshaping the landscape of modern warfare and national security.

The participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology (KRIT), and the Air Force Headquarters, underscores the strategic importance of this initiative. The presence of these governmental and military bodies highlights a shared commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening South Korea's defense capabilities. The seminar's structure, featuring presentations from GE Aerospace, Korean research institutions, and Kookmin University professors, facilitated a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and perspectives.

Kookmin University's long-standing relationship with GE Aerospace, dating back to a research cooperation agreement in 2018, has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for joint endeavors. Their previous collaboration on the development of an integrated avionics suite for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from 2021 to 2024 has yielded valuable experience and expertise. This established partnership provides a solid base for future projects, particularly in the complex and rapidly evolving fields of open system architecture (MOSA) and autonomous flight control.

As stated by Son Jin-sik, Director of Kookmin University's Industry-Academia Cooperation Group, "Avionics and autonomous driving for unmanned systems, and MOSA for optionally manned/unmanned teaming systems, are core areas of the future defense aviation industry." This sentiment captures the forward-looking vision driving these collaborations. The seminar is expected to serve as a catalyst, propelling Kookmin University's research capabilities and fostering a synergistic environment where academia, industry, and government can jointly shape the future of defense technology, ensuring South Korea remains at the forefront of innovation in this critical sector.

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Avionics and autonomous driving for unmanned systems, and optionally manned/unmanned teaming systems MOSA are core areas of the future defense aviation industry. We expect that the research capabilities accumulated by Kookmin Research Institute, the Defense Unmanned Systems R&D Center, the Department of Electronic Engineering, and the Graduate School of Automotive Mobility through this seminar will take another leap forward, and it will be the starting point for cooperation where industry, academia, and research jointly design the future.