Lockheed Martin Signs Partnership Framework with Korean Air

Image: Korean Air

Lockheed Martin has announced a new collaboration with Korean Air to explore joint opportunities under the U.S. government’s Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF) initiative. The partnership aims to strengthen Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MROU) cooperation and expand support capabilities into third-country markets.

The announcement was made during the 2025 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX), where Korean Air and Lockheed Martin signed a strategic partnership framework. The agreement leverages Korean Air’s more than 40 years of U.S. depot-level maintenance expertise and Lockheed Martin’s position as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for key U.S. defense platforms, beginning with the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Advancing Defense Cooperation

Lockheed Martin has been a trusted defense partner to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for over seven decades, supporting the nation’s “Three-Axis Defense System” with advanced solutions including the F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft, C-130J transport aircraft, Aegis Combat System, Patriot (PAC-3) missile systems, and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The new partnership brings together two leaders in aerospace innovation to enhance the sustainment and readiness of both U.S. and ROK military fleets. Through combined expertise in manufacturing and maintenance, the collaboration aims to ensure timely support for aircraft deployed across the region and further strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance.

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In a joint statement, Korean Air and Lockheed Martin emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement:

“This MROU partnership framework is a cornerstone project that strengthens the ROK-U.S. alliance by uniting two leading aerospace companies. With over four decades of combined experience supporting ROK and U.S. programs and Lockheed Martin’s advanced platforms, Korean Air is dedicated to ensuring force readiness for U.S. and allied militaries while elevating the global standing of Korea’s defense industry.”

Enhancing Regional Airpower

The ROK Air Force has relied on the F-16 since the 1980s as its primary multirole fighter, forming the backbone of Korea’s air defense network. Since 2019, the introduction of the F-35A has expanded the nation’s next-generation combat capabilities, delivering stealth performance, superior situational awareness, and seamless interoperability with U.S. forces. Together, these platforms reinforce the integrated defense posture and combined operational effectiveness of the ROK-U.S. alliance.

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Lockheed Martin continues to play a critical role in advancing this partnership by delivering next-generation solutions and sustainment capabilities that strengthen interoperability, readiness, and mission success.

Korean Air’s Proven Track Record

With over five decades of experience in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, Korean Air has become a key partner in supporting U.S. and allied forces across the Indo-Pacific. The company has performed depot-level maintenance and upgrades on more than 3,700 U.S. military aircraft, including F-16, F-15, UH/HH-60, CH-53, and A-10 platforms.

Since 2021, Korean Air has successfully led the U.S. Forces Japan F-16 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which will upgrade more than 100 aircraft over the next few years. It also provides maintenance and modernization services for Lockheed Martin rotorcraft such as the UH/HH-60 and CH-53 operating in Okinawa and mainland Japan.

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Together, Lockheed Martin and Korean Air are reinforcing their shared commitment to sustaining allied airpower, advancing regional security, and fostering long-term industrial cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea.