KAI told the media that it signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) on CVX project, with presence of the Vice Chairman of HHI, Mr. Young-seok Han and the President of KAI, Mr. Hyun-ho Ahn, during ADEX (the Seoul Airshow) 2021 on October 19th, at Seoul airport in Seongnam city of Gyeonggi Province.
Both sides agreed to cooperate omnidirectionally in fields of a Korean light aircraft carrier’s flight operation and control of fixed-wing and rotary wing aircrafts or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), logistic support system, training system, test and evaluation, and so on. The two commonly explained with hope that this strategic cooperation would create a synergy effect in various aspects including the construction, operation, maintenance, and development of operational capabilities of the CVX and flights on board, since KAI and HHI possess the best technology and experience in Korea, when it comes to fighter jets and naval ships.
KAI, the only major South Korean player in aircraft systems, is expected to resolve technical issues related to the operation of fighter jets on board an aircraft carrier, which is the most important part in acquiring the CVX, considering the significance of flights on board in combat operations. MarineOn developed by KAI will also be placed on the first Korean carrier. Also, as KAI has the capability to create simulation materials to nurture flight operators, it would help the Korean military improve and nurture necessary human resources for CVX and flights on board.
The President of KAI, Mr. Ahn said:
“I wish that the first Korean light aircraft carrier would be successfully developed and contribute to become the ocean navy. KAI will support and provide assistance for flight operation, maintenance, and training system.”
The Vice Chairman of HHI, Mr. Han said,
“I will do my best to complete the CVX business project successfully, which would be the national strategic asset of the Republic of Korea, through the strategic cooperation between both sides that represent the fields of shipbuilding and aerospace industries.”
HHI previously revealed a new mockup of CVX that applied the integrated combat system that could operate UAVs and unmanned surface ships, at MADEX 2021 on last June, in Busan. HHI also signed a partnership last August with the British Babcock International that played a key role in building the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
For the record, HHI’s competitor for the CVX project, DSME, signed a similar alliance with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri during MADEX 2021.
Here is our coverage of both CVX designs during MADEX 2021:
