FPT partners with Korea's Narma on AI for world's first dual-tilt-rotor drone

Overview

FPT Corporation (HOSE: FPT) has signed a partnership with Korean technology group Narma to develop autonomous flight software and AI for the AF100, the world’s first dual-tilt-rotor electric drone. The collaboration aims to enhance safety, autonomy, and operational efficiency for Narma’s drone platforms, while expanding supply chains and localizing components in both Vietnam and Korea.

Key Facts

• FPT and Narma signed the partnership on August 10, 2026.
• FPT will develop autonomous flight software, AI-based operating systems, and target detection and avoidance features.
• The AF100 is the world’s first electric drone with two tilt-rotor assemblies, enabling vertical takeoff and landing without a runway.
• The drone is suited for cargo transport, emergency support, patrol, and surveillance missions.
• The companies plan to expand supply chains across both countries, including component localization and joint production.
• FPT CEO Nguyễn Văn Khoa highlighted the partnership’s importance for FPT and the Low-Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEP).
• Narma CEO Kwon Ki Jung emphasized the need for technology transfer and capacity building, not just commercial activity.

What Happened

On August 10, 2026, FPT announced a strategic partnership with Narma, a Korean technology group, to develop autonomous flight software and AI for the AF100 drone. The AF100 is the world’s first electric drone featuring two tilt-rotor assemblies, allowing vertical takeoff and landing without a runway, then transitioning to high-speed cruise flight. FPT will contribute its software and AI capabilities, while Narma brings hardware and aerodynamic expertise.

According to the announcement, the two companies will collaborate on research, refinement, and deployment of the AF100 for various missions, including cargo transport, emergency support, patrol, and surveillance. They also plan to expand supply chains across Vietnam and Korea, focusing on component localization and joint production. FPT CEO Nguyễn Văn Khoa stated that the partnership is significant for FPT and the Low-Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEP), while Narma CEO Kwon Ki Jung stressed the importance of technology transfer and capacity building.

Market Context

FPT shares closed at VND 71,000 on August 10, 2026, up 0.85% with a volume of 2,061,000 shares on HOSE. The partnership aligns with Vietnam’s growing focus on the low-altitude economy, a strategic sector identified by the government for future development. FPT’s move into drone software and AI positions it within this emerging market, potentially opening new revenue streams beyond its core IT services.

Strategic Significance

This partnership underscores FPT’s ambition to expand beyond traditional IT services into advanced technology sectors, particularly the low-altitude economy. By leveraging its software and AI strengths, FPT aims to become a key player in the development of autonomous UAV solutions, which are increasingly used in logistics, surveillance, and emergency response. The collaboration with Narma also supports Vietnam’s goal of technological self-reliance, as the government pushes for domestic control of core technologies. For long-term investors, this move could diversify FPT’s revenue base and strengthen its position in a high-growth industry.

What to Watch

• Progress on the development and deployment of the AF100 drone in Vietnam and Korea.
• Any additional partnerships or contracts FPT secures in the low-altitude economy sector.
• Government policy updates on low-altitude economy regulations and incentives.
• FPT’s quarterly earnings reports for any revenue contribution from this collaboration.
• Narma’s production milestones and supply chain localization achievements.