South Gyeongsang Province, KASA accelerate plans for southern coastal aerospace belt

South Gyeongsang Province has partnered with the Korea AeroSpace Administration to develop a concrete action plan for building a "southern coastal aerospace industry belt."

The province said Friday that Deputy Governor Park Il-ung met with KASA Deputy Chief Noh Gyeong-won at the provincial office to discuss key tasks and cooperation measures aimed at strengthening on-the-ground implementation of the national aerospace industry development strategy. The meeting was held as a follow-up to the government's "Aerospace Industry Development Strategy" announced July 3.

Park put forward four proposals: establishing an aerospace industry promotion agency in South Gyeongsang Province; expanding participation by local companies in next-generation commercial aircraft and low-orbit satellite communication network projects; participating in and sponsoring the 2026 Sacheon Air Show; and completing construction of KASA's office building on schedule.

KASA responded positively to the province's proposals. On establishing an "aerospace industry promotion agency" to oversee the full industry lifecycle, KASA said it would pursue the initiative as a mid-term goal after completing relevant legal framework reforms and an internal feasibility review.

KASA also confirmed its official sponsorship of the 2026 Sacheon Air Show, scheduled for October. The administration said it would directly organize a "Space Rover Challenge" competition during the event to raise the air show's industrial and technological profile.

In addition, the province and KASA plan to strengthen cooperation through a joint task force to help local aerospace parts, materials and equipment companies — including Korea Aerospace Industries — participate in large-scale research and development projects such as the government's international co-development program for next-generation commercial aircraft.

KASA is drawing up a detailed blueprint for the southern coastal aerospace industry belt under the direction of Administrator Oh Tae-seok. The province said it plans to maintain ongoing communication with KASA to translate the collaboration into tangible contract wins and export results that local industry can feel.

"Close coordination between the central government and local authorities is essential for the successful establishment of the southern coastal aerospace industry belt," Park said. "We will work with KASA to develop South Gyeongsang Province into a genuine national aerospace hub."