Gyeongnam Province has unveiled a comprehensive, long-term strategy to develop its aerospace industry, aiming to foster 20 companies with sales exceeding 100 billion won and achieve a production volume of 30 trillion won by 2035. The plan emphasizes the creation of a high-tech aviation engine complex at Changwon National Industrial Complex, establishing a specialized aerospace cluster, and expanding space test infrastructure.
During a briefing, provincial officials announced four core strategies: upgrading the aviation industry ecosystem, building a space industry base, creating a future-oriented technology ecosystem, and enacting laws to facilitate the development of aerospace complex cities. Notably, Changwon will be designated as Korea's first high-tech aviation engine complex, hosting leading defense companies and supporting the industry’s technological independence.
The province is also accelerating efforts to foster the aviation MRO industry, with the Sacheon MRO Industrial Complex slated for completion soon. Plans include establishing integrated support centers and clusters to bolster civil and defense maintenance operations. Additionally, investments amounting to 174.3 billion won will support satellite development centers and space environment testing facilities, positioning Gyeongnam as a national hub for space and aerospace innovation.
Finally, legislative action is underway to create a holistic aerospace complex city, combining industrial, residential, educational, and research functions to attract companies and talent. "Gyeongnam has a competitive advantage to lead the global aerospace market," said Lee Mi-hwa, director of the Gyeongnam Provincial Industrial Bureau, underscoring the province’s commitment to becoming Korea's premier aerospace capital and a significant contributor to the nation’s strategic industries.
