ADEX 2025: KAL-ASD reveals new CCA amid plans to flight-test LOWUS loyal wingman

KAL-ASD presented a working prototype of its LOWUS collaborative combat aircraft (in background) at ADEX 2025 while unveiling the new multirole KUS-FX SUCA, which is capable of operating along manned fighters and the LOWUS. (Korean Air)

Having built two working prototypes of its new Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS) collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), Korean Air Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) is preparing the platforms for flight testing, a company representative said.

Speaking to Janes during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, a KAL-ASD representative said the prototypes are currently equipped with 5,500 lbf engines sourced from Ukraine.

At the same time, the company also unveiled its new KUS-FX multirole small unmanned collaborative aircraft (SUCA) at ADEX 2025 held from 17 to 24 October in South Korea. This CCA is being developed to operate alongside LOWUS and manned combat aircraft.

Janes has previously reported that LOWUS may conduct its first flight test later in 2025. “Around April 2026, one of the aircraft will start radar cross-section (RCS) flight-testing,” the company representative said.

South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which is a developmental partner in the LOWUS programme, has previously said the type will conduct its first manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) test in 2027. During this test, a human pilot will directly control the in-flight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

According to the KAL-ASD representative, both LOWUS prototypes have the equipment and technologies to conduct flight operations.

With a length of 10.4 m, a wingspan of 9.4 m, and a height of 2.8 m, LOWUS has a maximum take-off weight (MOTW) of 5,700 kg and a payload capacity of 400–500 kg, according to the company representative. He added that this payload capacity could increase in future.

Janes