Airbility, a South Korean high-speed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, announced Thursday that it has signed a four-party memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Thailand's NT ibuzz, SmartOCO Thailand, and Singapore-based KilsaGlobal for the joint development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, secure communications, and AI-powered intelligent surveillance solutions.
Airbility was co-founded in 2023 by aviation specialists from Hyundai Motor and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The company provides mission-based UAV solutions including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), counter-drone operations, and drone first response (DFR). NT ibuzz is a subsidiary of NT, Thailand's state-owned telecommunications enterprise, with core capabilities in national communications infrastructure and secure connectivity. SmartOCO Thailand is the local subsidiary of Korea's Heritage IT, an AI specialist providing intelligent surveillance solutions based on vision AI video analytics and computer vision technology. KilsaGlobal, headquartered in Singapore, conducts cross-border business development, project management, and public-sector technology initiatives across ASEAN.
Under the agreement, the four companies will jointly pursue the development, deployment, and operation of advanced UAV systems for public safety and border security in Thailand. The scope of cooperation includes: △integration of secure communications and data transmission networks to support UAV operations; △application of AI-based video analytics, computer vision, and intelligent monitoring solutions; and △joint planning, coordination, and management of pilot projects, demonstration programs, and future deployment plans. Specific application areas include border surveillance and monitoring, public safety and law enforcement support, disaster response and emergency management, and surveillance of critical infrastructure and restricted zones.
Each organization will contribute its differentiated capabilities to the partnership. Airbility will provide unmanned aviation technology including UAV platforms and flight systems, and support system integration, flight testing, and technical verification. NT ibuzz will supply communications infrastructure including secure connectivity and data transmission required for UAV operations, and support integration with Thailand's national and regional communications networks. SmartOCO Thailand will enable real-time and post-event analysis of aerial imagery and sensor data through AI-based video analytics, computer vision, and intelligent surveillance solutions. KilsaGlobal will oversee overall business coordination, project management, and stakeholder engagement with public-sector partners and end users.
"We will build an integrated solution that addresses Thailand's evolving security needs by combining Airbility's high-speed aerial platform, NT ibuzz's secure communications infrastructure, SmartOCO's AI surveillance capabilities, and KilsaGlobal's regional expertise," Airbility CEO Lee Jin-mo said.