South Korea’s KAI advances AI training simulators and humanoid robotics technology
August 18, 2025
South Korea’s Korean Aerospace Industries is racing to incorporate advanced machine-learning and AI systems into its training simulators. It is also creating smart humanoid robots to help build its aircraft.
KAI delivered AI-enabled tactical simulators to the Republic of Korea Air Force
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is the only aircraft manufacturer in South Korea and is pushing innovation into new areas (including AI-piloted fighter jets).
In August 2025, the AJP News Agency reported that KAI delivered an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tactical simulation and training system to the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF).
The advanced system is designed for tactical development and pilot training, is part of a contract valued at 35.5 billion won (about $26 million) and incorporates reinforcement learning–based AI.
It is the first of its kind in South Korea, allowing RoKAF to train using real-world combat data while also autonomously adapting tactics over time.
The simulator incorporates AI-controlled virtual aircraft that act as both friendly and adversary forces, alongside high-difficulty mission scenarios based on real-world tactics, and voice recognition features that enable pilots to issue and respond to spoken commands.
South Korea is a country of only 38,750 square miles, making it around 30% larger than Scotland, but with almost ten times the population. RoKAF can find it challenging to conduct large-scale flight training due to restricted airspace and noise complaints from civilians.
The new tactical simulation helps the service to overcome these constraints. KAI also developed Level D simulators (the highest certification standard) for its domestically produced FA-50 light fighters and the US-origin F-16s.
KAI is also developing humanoid robots
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported on August 12 that KAI has joined the “K-Humanoid Alliance.” This is a South Korean government-led initiative that aims to develop advanced humanoid robot technology by 2030.
The initiative has attracted the participation of around 70 companies and institutions, including Samsung. These companies are planning to employ artificial intelligence on humanoids, enabling them to make real-time autonomous decision-making.
As an aircraft manufacturer, KAI is looking to develop humanoid robots for high-precision, labour-intensive aircraft manufacturing. This includes cutting, drilling, sealing, waterproofing, and even final inspections.
Yonhap noted KAI has already introduced a smart factory system for robot-based manufacturing (including transport and quality control) of Airbus A350 wing ribs.
KAI, an emerging aerospace defence giant
KAI is rapidly developing military aircraft. The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer/light fighter first entered service and has now been exported to Poland, the Philippines, Iraq, Indonesia, Slovakia, and Thailand.
Lockheed Martin is partnering with KAI and offering the TF-50 based on the T-50 Golden Eagle as a solution to the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) programme.
KAI is also developing the Surion utility helicopter, an armed helicopter, and a range of other advanced systems, from drones to space-based systems.
The most ambitious project is the stealthy KF-21 Boramae frontline fighter jet that KAI wants to incrementally upgrade to be a 5th-generation fighter jet.
The KF-21 is now entering serial production and is expected to enter service with South Korea’s air force in 2026. It has attracted the attention of the UAE, although orders haven’t been placed yet.
