FPT Corporation and South Korean technology company NARMA Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly research, develop, and commercialize next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The initial focus of the partnership will be on developing AI technologies and autonomous flight software for the AF100, which NARMA describes as the world’s first dual tilt-rotor electric drone.
The partnership comes as both Vietnam and South Korea accelerate the development of their UAV ecosystems. In Vietnam, at a conference reviewing 18 months of the implementation of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, General Secretary and State President To Lam called for greater resources to master strategic technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles, while encouraging enterprises to increase investment in research and the development of Vietnamese technology products.
Meanwhile, South Korea is expanding drone applications, promoting the commercialization of AI-integrated aerial vehicles, and establishing real-world testing zones for emerging technologies.
Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate across three key areas: researching, refining, and deploying NARMA’s electric tilt-rotor drone platforms; developing AI technologies and software for drones; and expanding supply chains across Vietnam and South Korea.
Mr. Vu Anh Tu, Chief Executive Officer of FPT UAV, FPT Corporation, and Mr. Kwon Ki-jung, Chief Executive Officer of NARMA Inc., represent the two companies at the signing ceremony.FPT is expected to develop autonomous flight software, AI-powered operating systems, and object detection and avoidance capabilities. These technologies are designed to enhance the safety, autonomy, and operational efficiency of NARMA’s drone platforms.
NARMA specializes in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft using tilt-rotor technology, with the AF100 among its flagship platforms.
According to NARMA, the AF100 is the world’s first electric drone equipped with two tilting rotor units. Its tilt-rotor design enables the aircraft to take off and land vertically without a runway before transitioning into high-speed forward flight.
These capabilities make the AF100 suitable for missions requiring both speed and operational flexibility, including cargo transportation, emergency response, patrol, and surveillance.
Building on this platform, FPT and NARMA plan to further research, refine, and deploy the AF100 for suitable real-world applications. The two companies will also explore opportunities to expand their supply chains across Vietnam and South Korea, including component localization and manufacturing cooperation to bring the products to both markets.
According to NARMA Inc., the AF100 is the world’s first dual tilt-rotor electric drone.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, noted that the Vietnamese Government is accelerating the development of science and technology with a strong focus on mastering core technologies.
Through policies and initiatives promoting science and technology, the Government is creating favorable conditions for companies such as FPT to participate in research and product development, contributing to Vietnam’s technological self-reliance. Within this broader strategy, the low-altitude economy—including civilian UAVs, aerial cargo transportation, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—has been identified as a strategic area for future development.
With a network of 31 offices worldwide, FPT is well positioned to connect technologies, partners, and international markets. The combination of FPT’s software and AI capabilities with NARMA’s aerial vehicle technologies is expected to accelerate the real-world deployment of UAV solutions across areas such as cargo transportation, emergency response, patrol, and surveillance, creating value for businesses, communities, and society.
Mr. Khoa said: “This partnership is significant not only for FPT but also for the Low Altitude Economy Partnership (LAEP). NARMA’s extensive hands-on expertise in hardware and aerodynamics will help strengthen the capabilities of FPT and Vietnamese enterprises as we work together to develop intelligent, autonomous UAV products that serve national needs and expand across the region, contributing to the strong growth of the low-altitude economy. FPT and NARMA will be trusted partners on this journey.”
In the UAV sector, FPT previously initiated the establishment of the Low Altitude Economy Partnership (LAEP) to connect enterprises involved in research and development and contribute to building a comprehensive UAV ecosystem.
According to Mr. Kwon Ki-jung, CEO of NARMA Inc., Vietnam is demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening its technological self-reliance. He therefore believes that cooperation in the drone sector should go beyond commercial activities to include technology transfer and capability development for participating organizations.
Mr. Kwon noted that South Korea is home to more than 6,000 drone companies, most of which focus on agricultural spraying or 3D mapping and imaging. However, only around 80 companies have the capabilities to manufacture drones and components, including NARMA.
Although NARMA was established only around eight years ago, Mr. Kwon said the company has already developed advanced and valuable technologies and has earned the confidence of the South Korean Government in its future development direction. He also expects eVTOL technology to play an increasingly important role in the evolution of next-generation UAVs.
“I see that FPT truly understands the future vision of drones powered by eVTOL technology. NARMA is ready to collaborate with FPT,” Mr. Kwon emphasized.
About NARMA Inc.
NARMA Inc. is a technology company spun off from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The company specializes in aerodynamics and dual-motor electric tilt-rotor drone platforms based on eVTOL technology and is known for its innovations in long-range vertical take-off and landing drone platforms using this technology.
About FPT
FPT is a leading technology corporation in Vietnam with nearly 40 years of experience in consulting, providing, and implementing technology and telecommunications services and solutions.
As part of its commitment to mastering strategic technologies, FPT has announced investments in UAV research and development and established FPT UAV, dedicated to the research and development of unmanned aerial vehicles. FPT also initiated the establishment of the LAEP in Vietnam to strengthen ecosystem connectivity and expand international cooperation.
Marking 10 years of operations in South Korea, FPT has established as a leading Vietnamese IT company in the market. In 2025, FPT’s revenue in South Korea exceeded USD 100 million. The company currently has 300 employees working directly across four offices in South Korea, supported by nearly 3,000 engineers across its global delivery network dedicated to projects for customers in the South Korean market.