South Korea to invest in cutting-edge aircraft technologies for defense, president says

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to boost the nation’s defence capabilities by investing in advanced aircraft technologies, following the first delivery of the homegrown KF-21 fighter jet. The country will soon begin developing engines, components, and raw materials for its high-tech aviation industry.

Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee/Reuters

March 25, 2026

South Korea to invest in cutting-edge aircraft technologies for defense, president says

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers a statement following a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at the presidential palace in Manila, Philippines, March 3, 2026.

Rolex Dela Pena/Reuters

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday his country will invest in cutting-edge aircraft technologies for national defence, at an event celebrating the first delivery of a homegrown fighter jet KF-21.

South Korea will swiftly begin developing engines, components and raw materials for its high-tech aircraft industry, Lee said.

-Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee/Reuters