# Korean Aerospace Firms Expand Agile Partnerships

At the 2026 Jinju International Forum, aerospace and defense executives called for faster development of software-defined capabilities and autonomous systems, along with more startup collaboration and agile supplier relationships. A concrete commercial example is ANH Structure’s long-term agreement with Vertical Aerospace to design, develop, certify, and manufacture pilot and passenger seats for Vertical’s Valo eVTOL aircraft, using ANH’s 30G energy-absorption technology. The agreement has no reported value or solicitation details, so it signals supplier activity rather than a stated government procurement award.

- The forum’s emphasis on faster prototyping and supplier collaboration indicates capabilities that defense buyers and contractors may increasingly assess when shaping aerospace and autonomy requirements.
- ANH Structure and Vertical Aerospace have established a long-term supply relationship for the Valo aircraft seating program; suppliers should note the opportunity for specialized component work, while recognizing that no contract value or government solicitation is reported.
- Companies pursuing defense aerospace work can evaluate whether their software-defined, autonomous-systems, and rapid-development capabilities align with the priorities expressed by industry executives.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Transportation
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- Jinju City

### Vendors
- ANH Structure (Supplier under the long-term agreement for Valo aircraft seats)
- Vertical Aerospace (Buyer under the long-term supplier agreement)
- Anduril Korea ()
- Korean Air ()
- LIG Defense & Aerospace ()

### Key Quotes
> The future market belongs to an autonomous mass (mass deployment of autonomous systems) — thousands of smart, low-cost, expendable and attritable systems.
> — John Kim, Head of Anduril Korea

> This dual approach allows us to dramatically short change the development timing, rapidly secure critical technology and stay ahead of the curve.
> — Kim Ha-neul, Head of Overseas Business Development at Korean Air

### Sources
- [Aerospace industry calls for faster shift to software-defined defense - The Korea Times](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/business/companies/20261019/aerospace-industry-calls-for-faster-shift-to-software-defined-defense) - The Korea Times