Czech aircraft succeed in Korea. Bristell planes will be used for training by the Korean Air Force
19.02.2026 / 02:29 | Aktualizováno: 19.02.2026 / 02:34
The Czech company BRM AERO from Kunovice has succeeded in a demanding tender and was selected by the Korean acquisition agency DAPA to supply its Bristell training aircraft for the initial training of pilots of the Korean Air Force. The multi‑year contract for 2026–2028 covers not only the aircraft themselves, but also flight simulators, spare parts, ground equipment, and comprehensive technical support, including the development of local infrastructure in the Republic of Korea.
The Korean defence industry is experiencing dynamic growth driven by record weapons exports. According to estimates by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (abbr. SIPRI), in 2020–2024 it accounted for 2.2% of global exports of major arms systems and ranked 10th worldwide, while aiming to become the fourth‑largest exporter by 2030. According to estimates by the Korea Defence Industry Association (abbr. KDIA), in 2024 the size of the domestic defence market amounted to approximately USD 18.3 billion, a year‑on‑year increase of roughly 32.6% compared with 2023. The country’s defence budget for 2026 is USD 45.1 billion. Owing to this strong focus on the defence segment, opportunities for cooperation are opening up for foreign partners—and Czech companies in particular—in a number of areas. These include, for example, the supply of firearms, mobile platforms, radar systems, as well as equipment and gear for security and emergency services. Recently, the Korean side has also indicated strong interest in joint development of new technologies, joint‑venture projects either in the Czech Republic, in Korea, or in third markets, and the inclusion of Czech firms in supply chains as subcontractors.
Founded in 2009, BRM AERO manufactures light sport and general aviation aircraft with modern avionics and FAA and EASA certifications at its Kunovice plant. With the support of the Czech Embassy in Korea, the company entered the tender conducted by the Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (abbr. DAPA). It succeeded by passing demanding flight tests and technical evaluations, in which the Bristell B23‑915 IFR convinced evaluators with its combination of Garmin modern avionics and the Rotax 915iSc engine. As part of the project, BRM AERO will also develop local infrastructure together with partners Hansung Industrial and Kyungwoon University to ensure the readiness and long‑term sustainability of the fleet.
“Selection by DAPA proves that BRM AERO meets strict operational and quality standards. We see this as a long‑term programme with strong local support and a clear commitment to maintaining the fleet for decades,” said Martin Bříštěla, CEO and co‑founder of the company. “This contract is not only about delivering aircraft. It is about delivering a complete training solution and its long‑term support. Bristell platforms are successfully used by flight schools and operators worldwide, and this programme significantly strengthens our presence in the Asia‑Pacific region,” added Martin Berka, the company’s Director of Business Development.
Further important information on this segment of the Korean market is available at the links below:
- Defense Acquisition Program Administration: https://www.dapa.go.kr/dapa_en/main.do
- Korea Defense Industry Association: https://defense-korea.com/web/etc/kdia
- Database of Korean defence procurements: https://www.d2b.go.kr/index.do *
* You need to click the “Foreign Purchase” page in the bottom right.
BRM AERO
BRM AERO
Jakub Kopecký, Economic Diplomat of the Embassy of the Czech Republic, with the contribution of intern Tomáš Csato