CT Group Chairman reveals the secret to the success of the 5,000 UAV deal to Korea

In a recent private interview with the media, Mr. Tran Kim Chung - Chairman of CT Group, Member of the Advisory Council of the Central Steering Committee on Science , Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation - said that the export of 5,000 UAVs to South Korea, worth hundreds of millions of USD, by the group, is considered a historic milestone, proving that Vietnamese UAVs are capable of entering the international market.

This is also the largest UAV contract ever signed by a Vietnamese enterprise, opening up opportunities for CT Group to participate more deeply in the global supply chain. According to Mr. Chung, the above achievements are thanks to the efforts of CT Group over the past decade.

From failures to technological breakthroughs

According to Mr. Tran Kim Chung, CT Group started researching UAVs in 2016-2017, investing many engineers and resources. However, the initial stage encountered countless difficulties, including major failures due to not mastering the technology chain.

“We missed many opportunities because of our dependence on imported components, but from there we realized that only technological autonomy can take us far, ” said Mr. Chung.

Mr. Tran Kim Chung - Chairman of CT Group, Member of the Advisory Council of the Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Development. (Photo: CT Group)

The Chairman of CT Group frankly said that the journey of nearly a decade of UAV research has experienced at least two major failures, when the project seemed to be successful but eventually had to stop for the following reasons: Lack of a common voice with shareholders, COVID-19, research speed not keeping up with market demand...

From those failures, CT Group changed its strategy, drawing profound lessons about mastering core UAV technology and ensuring that the research speed must be faster than the speed of market change. To date, the group has built 5 UAV factories near Ho Chi Minh City National University, and is preparing to build a large-scale space center in Ho Chi Minh City with a capacity of up to 10,000 R&D engineers, deploying a Science Park in Binh Chanh and a UAV factory in Tay Ninh with the largest scale in Asia. This is considered the foundation for Vietnam to create a closed UAV ecosystem, from research - production - testing to practical application.

HEXAROTOR FIREFIGHTING UAV of CT Group. (Photo: CT Group)

After nearly a decade of perseverance, CT Group has introduced about 16 lines of UAVs for both civil and defense purposes. The products range from UAVs for agriculture , logistics, security surveillance to specialized UAVs in the defense sector. The important highlight is the new UAV product designed and developed 100% by Vietnamese engineers, expected to launch early next year. This generation of UAVs belongs to the heavy segment, with a payload of 60 to 300 kg, capable of monitoring traffic, identifying and tracking violating vehicles, supporting authorities in pursuit, and preventing dangerous behavior - features that only appear in high-end UAV technology of major powers.

Another achievement is the ability to be self-sufficient in up to 85% of important components and parts. Previously, most components had to be imported, which increased costs and posed potential security risks. Now, from electronic chips, circuit boards to flight control systems, CT Group can produce them domestically, helping “Made in Vietnam” UAVs reduce costs, improve safety, and affirm their competitiveness in the international market.

Fire Prevention UAV CT-SURVEY COMPACT 5KG. (Photo: CT Group)

According to Mr. Chung, today's success comes not only from financial investment but also from the achievements of hundreds of young engineers who have worked hard in the laboratory, persistently overcoming failures to gradually put Vietnamese technology on the world UAV map.

Thousand-unit deal and future problems

Immediately after the contract to export 5,000 UAVs to South Korea was signed, the Government expressed its interest and encouraged CT Group to participate in the VND500,000 billion credit package to expand investment and develop products. According to Mr. Tran Kim Chung, the Government's support is an important driving force for businesses to confidently accelerate, because UAVs can serve both civilian and defense needs.

In preparation for this major contract, CT Group has implemented a production plan at maximum capacity at its factories. Currently, the Group has 5 UAV factories and is planning to build a Space Center in Ho Chi Minh City, with a capacity of 10,000 engineers to research and test technologies related to low-altitude space economics. In addition, a UAV factory in Tay Ninh is also in the preparation stage for deployment.

A corner of CT UAV factory. (Photo: CT Group)

With these advantages, CT Group is currently prioritizing heavy-duty UAVs with payloads ranging from 60 to 300 kg - a type of vehicle that Korea is interested in applying in both logistics and security surveillance.

Along with technology investment, the group considers human resource development a long-term strategy. “We have an abundant young workforce, but we need more time to improve our skills and awareness of UAVs. This is a key factor in forming a sustainable UAV industry ,” Mr. Chung emphasized.

In fact, the UAV market in Vietnam and the region is growing strongly. From agriculture, logistics, security surveillance to search and rescue, UAVs are increasingly proving their wide-ranging application value. With thousands of units sold and technological autonomy, Vietnamese UAVs have the opportunity to participate more deeply in the global supply chain, which has long been dominated by the US, Israel, Türkiye and China.

However, the Chairman of CT Group also acknowledged that the road ahead is full of challenges. Vietnam needs a synchronous policy framework for UAVs, from airspace management, safety standards to financial and investment support mechanisms. Mr. Chung proposed the establishment of a general management agency for UAV technology, to avoid overlapping administrative procedures and promote innovation.

“Success does not come overnight. It is built from dozens of failures, from lessons that cost time and money. But we believe that 'Made in Vietnam' UAVs will go far, with the support of the State, the business community and a generation of enthusiastic young engineers ,” Mr. Chung affirmed.

On August 12, 2025, at the Vietnam - Korea Economic Forum (Seoul, Korea), witnessed by General Secretary To Lam and Korean Prime Minister Kim Min Seok, CT Group Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding to export 5,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with an emerging drone technology company in Korea. This is the first time Vietnam has had an order to export 5,000 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Korea.

Ha Phuong

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/chu-tich-ct-group-he-lo-bi-quyet-thanh-cong-thuong-vu-5-000-uav-sang-han-quoc-ar960458.html