Airbus sets up new Tech Hub in Korea to accelerate next-gen aerospace innovation

By TechWatch PH Staff

Airbus has expanded its global research footprint with the launch of the Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon, South Korea — a move that deepens the company’s long-standing partnership with the country and positions Korea as a key driver of future aerospace breakthroughs.

The new hub, unveiled on 18 November in the heart of Korea’s R&D capital, will act as a dedicated center for collaborative research focusing on three major pillars: future energy technologies, advanced lightweight composites, and next-generation defence and space capabilities.

These areas build directly on Korea’s industrial strengths, reinforcing its role as one of Airbus’ most strategic technology partners.

Mark Bentall, Head of R&T Programme at Airbus, said the establishment of the hub marks a significant milestone in the company’s five-decade relationship with Korea.

“After five decades of successful industrial partnership with Korea, this step to launch the Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon is a clear signal of our deepening commitment. The Tech Hub allows Airbus to tap into advanced technologies in Korea, which will help fast-track future aircraft technologies and continue to develop Korea as our trusted, long-term partner,” he said.

He added that Daejeon’s concentration of world-class R&D institutions and talent makes it “the ideal choice” for joint development of future aerospace technologies.

To jumpstart its initiatives, Airbus formalized three strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the launch ceremony.

The first, signed with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), establishes a framework that enables Airbus to swiftly roll out research projects within Daejeon’s innovation ecosystem.

The second MoU, signed with Daejeon Metropolitan City, reinforces support for Airbus’ research activities across the city.

The third MoU, with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), leverages KITA’s open innovation platform to help Airbus identify and collaborate with new Korean technology partners.

Several projects were announced alongside the launch. Airbus is partnering with defence company LIG Nex1 to develop space chip antenna technology for communication signal transmission and reception. It is also working with EMCoretech to advance active filtering technologies essential for electrification systems, specifically to suppress electromagnetic interference.

The Tech Hub builds on Airbus’ deep industrial ties with Korea, which date back to 1974 when Korean Air ordered the original A300B4. Today, Korea remains a critical contributor to Airbus’ commercial aircraft, defence, space, and helicopter programs. Tier-one partners such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) manufacture key components for the A320, A330, and A350 families — including wing structures, fuselage sections, and composite elements — supported by a wide network of Korean SMEs. Airbus’ procurement in Korea supports around 6,000 skilled jobs and contributes approximately USD 600 million to the local economy annually.

The new hub complements Airbus’ growing Korean footprint, including the recently opened Composite Technology Centre (CTC) subsidiary in Busan. CTC works closely with Busan Techno Park on advanced composite material and process development for aerospace applications.

With Korea joining Japan, the Netherlands, and Singapore, Airbus’ global Tech Hub network now spans four countries, each operating as a collaborative platform bringing together government, industry, academia, and start-ups to push the boundaries of aerospace technology.

The launch of the Daejeon Tech Hub underscores Airbus’ vision of accelerating next-generation aircraft development through global partnerships — and South Korea’s rise as a central player in shaping the future of aviation and space.