FPT and NARMA partner on AI for world's first tilt-rotor electric UAV

FPT Group and South Korea's NARMA Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to research, develop, and commercialize next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The partnership focuses on developing AI technology and autonomous software for the AF100, the world's first electric tilt-rotor drone featuring two rotor sets.

The AF100 is an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft designed to take off and land vertically without a runway before transitioning to high-speed cruise mode. This makes it suitable for cargo transport, emergency support, patrolling, and surveillance.

Under the agreement, the collaboration will focus on three main pillars: refining and deploying NARMA's tilt-rotor platforms, developing AI-driven autonomous flight software—including obstacle detection and avoidance—and expanding the supply chain within both Vietnam and South Korea through component localization and joint production.