Airbus Strengthens Korea Partnership with New Daejeon Tech Hub Focused on Future Aerospace Technologies

Airbus Strengthens Korea Partnership with New Daejeon Tech Hub Focused on Future Aerospace Technologies

(IN BRIEF) Airbus has reinforced its long-term partnership with South Korea by establishing the Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon, a center set to drive innovation in advanced composites, future energy systems, and next-generation defence and space technologies. Collaborating closely with MOTIR, Daejeon City, and KITA, Airbus signed three new MoUs and launched initial projects with partners like LIG Nex1 and EMCoretech. Along with their new Composite Technology Centre in Busan, Airbus continues to expand its presence in Korea, supporting thousands of jobs while deepening its role in global aerospace R&D. The new facility is part of a global network of Airbus Tech Hubs designed to spur technological breakthroughs through international collaboration.

(PRESS RELEASE) DAEJEON, South Korea, 18-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ —Airbus has taken a significant step to strengthen its long-term partnership with South Korea by announcing the creation of the Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon, a strategic location known for its high concentration of research and development institutions. This new facility is poised to become a major centre for collaborative innovation, positioning Korea as a key contributor to Airbus’ future technologies.

The Tech Hub will channel its efforts into three principal research areas, each aligned with Korea’s technological advantages: advanced lightweight composites, next-generation defence and space systems, and the development of future energy solutions. The initiative reflects Airbus’ intent to access and integrate cutting-edge Korean innovations into its own development pipeline.

Airbus is establishing this Tech Hub through close cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and Daejeon Metropolitan City. During the launch, Airbus formalised its collaboration via three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): the first with MOTIR outlines a framework to quickly initiate joint R&D initiatives; the second with Daejeon City ensures municipal support to accelerate ongoing and future projects; and the third with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) aims to connect Airbus with new Korean innovators through KITA’s established open innovation platform.

True to its ambition, the Airbus Tech Hub is already kicking off concrete projects. One such collaboration involves LIG Nex1, focusing on space chip antenna technology essential for communications, while another involves EMCoretech to develop active filtering systems to mitigate electromagnetic interference in electrified applications.

“For over 50 years, Korea has been more than just a customer—it’s been a trusted industrial partner,” said Mark Bentall, Head of R&T Programme at Airbus. “By launching the Tech Hub in Daejeon, we deepen our commitment to harness Korean innovation to help accelerate future aircraft technologies. This city is a focal point of world-class talent and research synergy.”

Korea’s relationship with Airbus stretches back to 1974, beginning with Korean Air’s order of the A300B4 aircraft. Since then, the collaboration has grown to include major industrial contributions from companies like Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD), which produce aircraft components for the A320, A330, and A350. Airbus’ ongoing operations in Korea support roughly 6,000 high-skilled jobs and contribute about USD 600 million annually to the local economy.

Adding to its growing presence, Airbus recently established the Composite Technology Centre (CTC) in Busan. Designed to enhance research and development of cutting-edge composite materials, this facility marks yet another strategic investment in Korea’s innovation ecosystem.

With the launch of the Korea Tech Hub, Airbus now operates four such centres worldwide, joining the ranks of hubs in Singapore, Japan, and the Netherlands—all aimed at fostering collaboration among governments, academia, startups, and industry leaders to shape the future of aerospace technology.

Media Contacts:

Belinda Ng
AIRBUS | Asia-Pacific
+65 9683 6361
belinda.ng@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS