April 24, 2026
SEOUL — South Korean defense aviation specialist UI Helicopter announced on April 7 that it has entered a strategic partnership with AVILUS, a German manufacturer and certified operator of a new class of drones. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of multi-purpose drones and autonomous Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) systems.
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at UI Helicopter’s headquarters in Seoul. The ceremony was attended by UI Helicopter CEO Sung-Wieh Rim and AVILUS CEO Niclas Bähr, marking a significant shift in UI Helicopter’s business strategy from maintenance to high-tech manufacturing.
Strategic Shift Toward Autonomous Defense
The partnership is a cornerstone of UI Helicopter’s broader strategy to provide an "integrated unmanned solution." By combining this new project with their recently unveiled drone-based radiation detection system, the company plans to cover the entire spectrum of hazardous operations, from reconnaissance in contaminated zones to the autonomous transport of wounded personnel.
AVILUS brings world-class expertise in vertical flight technology, with a track record of systems already validated through operational deployments in exercises of the German Armed Forces. This makes them a proven partner for UI Helicopter’s goal of reshaping the modern battlefield paradigm.
Capitalizing on Global Growth
With the global CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) and UAV markets projected to grow by over 8% annually, this alliance is positioned to capture early market share both domestically and abroad. Unmanned evacuation systems are increasingly viewed as essential for future warfare, as they eliminate the risk to pilots and crews during high-stakes rescue missions.
"Our collaboration with AVILUS will be the catalyst that elevates our unmanned systems to a global standard," said CEO Sung-Wieh Rim. "Leveraging our 40 years of expertise in aviation MRO and systems integration, we are transforming into a proprietary manufacturer and exporter of unmanned platforms."
Niclas Bähr, CEO of AVILUS, echoed this sentiment, stating: "We are thrilled to work with UI Helicopter, a key player in the Korean aviation industry. The synergy between our drone technology and their systems integration capabilities will create a powerful presence in Asia and the globalmarket."
About UI Helicopter:
Founded in 1986,UI Helicopter built its reputation through helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The company is now pivoting its resources toward future-oriented defense platforms, focusing on autonomous evacuation and specialized unmanned systems.
About AVILUS:
AVILUS is a manufacturer and operator of a new class of dual-use drones for medical evacuation, logistics, ISR and CAS. Our drones fall into a class with a maximum take-off mass of around 750 kg and a characteristic dimension ofup to 8 m. Already today, our drones are approved and operated in the EuropeanUnion Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) specific category.
