Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 20, Airbus has officially launched its new Airbus Tech Hub in Daejeon, South Korea, establishing a dedicated centre for collaborative research and technology development. Located in the core of Korea’s research and development ecosystem, the facility will strengthen bilateral innovation ties and position Korea as a key strategic partner in aerospace advancement.

The Tech Hub will concentrate on three priority areas that align with Korea’s technological capabilities: future energy systems, advanced lightweight composite materials, and next-generation defence and space technologies.

The initiative has been developed in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and Daejeon Metropolitan City. During the launch ceremony, Airbus signed three Memoranda of Understanding to accelerate operations: one with MOTIR to enable rapid project initiation within Daejeon’s innovation network, one with Daejeon City to support research activities across the local technology landscape, and one with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) to identify and engage new partners through KITA’s open innovation platform.

“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,” said Mark Bentall, Head of R&T Programme at Airbus. “Daejeon, with its concentration of world-class R&D institutes and talent, is the ideal choice. This city offers the perfect synergy between advanced academia and industrial ambition, making it the essential base for joint development of future technologies that will drive the industry forward.”

Initial projects announced include collaboration with LIG Nex1 on space chip antenna technology for satellite communications and a partnership with EMCoretech to develop active filtering solutions for electrification systems that reduce electromagnetic interference.

Airbus’ engagement with Korea dates back over 50 years, beginning with Korean Air’s order of the A300B4 in 1974. Today, major Korean suppliers such as Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Korean Air Aerospace Division manufacture critical structures for the A320, A330, and A350 programmes. Airbus procurement in Korea currently supports approximately 6,000 skilled jobs and contributes around USD 600 million annually to the national economy.

The Daejeon Tech Hub becomes the fourth location in Airbus’ global network of technology centres, joining existing facilities in Japan, the Netherlands, and Singapore. It complements the recently opened Composite Technology Centre subsidiary in Busan, which cooperates with Busan Techno Park on advanced aerospace composites.

Through these investments, Airbus continues to expand its long-term research and industrial footprint in Korea, fostering joint innovation that benefits both global aerospace programmes and the domestic technology sector.