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Korean Air Unveils New Model of 'Advanced Drone' KUS-RP Combat UAV

[비즈한국] Korean Air003490 has unveiled a new configuration of its expendable collaborative combat drone (KUS-RP) for the first time at ‘Drone Show Korea 2025’ held at BEXCO in Busan. Unlike previous expendable drones, this new model is equipped with landing gear, allowing for autonomous takeoff and landing, and features extended wings, which are expected to increase its gliding range.

The KUS-RP is expected to conduct cooperative operations with large drone and fighter jet platforms, enabling manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) missions.

Korean Air is currently developing new types of drones, including the medium-class Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and the expendable KUS-RP. Development is underway to equip these with various mission payloads and AI-pilot functions to effectively achieve mission objectives in coordination with manned aircraft and other collaborative combat systems on the battlefield.

The original concept for the KUS-RP was to function similarly to a missile, with foldable wings that would deploy upon launch. However, the new version of the KUS-RP unveiled this time is equipped with landing gear and wheels, enabling autonomous flight and ground-based launches. The ground-launched KUS-RP is designed to project a swarm of small drones forward to perform deception and electronic warfare missions, forcing the enemy to reveal their air defense positions and deplete their ammunition.

The KUS-RP has a length of 3m, a wingspan of 1.2m, and a maximum takeoff weight of 200kg. It performs roles such as electronic warfare, deception, attack, and surveillance reconnaissance.

According to Korean Air, the KUS-RP can be launched from either the air or the ground. When operating alongside fighter jets, it can switch its ‘payload module’ to execute various attack missions. The payload concept allows for interchangeable components such as loitering munition warheads, search-capable AESA radar, EO/IR optical tracking equipment, and electronic warfare suites. This operational concept and configuration appear similar to the ‘Barracuda-M’ by Anduril Industries of the U.S. and are seen as a response to the AAP drone from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)047810.

Korean Air plans to utilize the KUS-RP to conduct future aerial operations by forming composite formations with large drones and manned fighter jets. In particular, air-launching the KUS-RP from the Medium-Altitude UAV (MUAV) developed by Korean Air would significantly extend its operational range. A Korean Air official explained, “The air-launched model displayed is designed to be released from the same platform as the MUAV, operating deep into enemy territory in cooperation with manned aircraft and medium-class CCAs. The smaller CCAs enter first to identify enemy defenses, followed by the medium CCAs and manned aircraft to neutralize them.”

Korean Air has completed the production of the KUS-RP prototype and plans to conduct flight tests within the first quarter of this year. Additionally, it is developing AI-pilot software in collaboration with key partners. Integration of this software for technology validation is expected by the end of this year.

Kim Min-seok, a researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum (KODEF), stated, “The KUS-LW drone, jointly developed by Korean Air and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), can carry two 250kg weapons. If the KUS-RP is used as a weapon for the LW (Loyal Wingman) in the future, it could be utilized as a 'drone within a drone.' It will serve as a game changer in future aerial warfare.”

However, some point out that the KUS-RP still needs to resolve engine-related issues. Kim noted, “Due to U.S. export restrictions, the KUS-RP engine is a somewhat lower-powered version, which will likely limit current test flights. As domestic jet engine technology advances, if we can equip it with a home-grown engine, it will have the potential to deliver high output without being constrained by U.S. export regulations. For now, it will only be able to perform at its full potential once it overcomes the hurdles of these export restrictions.”