The 14th Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2023) is a statement of intent by an indigenous defence industry that has come of age and looks set to achieve its goal of being the fourth largest arms exporter in the world by 2027.
With the demand for weapons made by South Korean defence companies on the rise, it is not surprising that the current edition is the biggest yet. As many as 550 companies from 35 countries are showcasing new products and capabilities at the event being held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam. Four hundred and forty firms from 28 nations attended the previous edition in 2021.
Almost all the major international defence companies are in town, but the focus is expected to be on domestic firms and their rapidly expanding range of products. The event, which has more than doubled in scale during the past decade, will also serve as a platform to promote advanced technologies in two growing sectors – space and advanced air mobility (AAM).
The largest and most comprehensive trade show in Northeast Asia is hosted by Korea Aerospace Industries Association (KAIA), Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA)ADEX 2023. The event, which has an expanded exhibition area compared to the previous edition, has evoked a tremendous response from exhibitors around the world, said Kim Min Seok, KAIA Vice Chairman. “In 2019 and 2021, we closed bookings for exhibition space in June,” he said. “This time, we ran out of exhibition space and had to close bookings in January.”
Among the highlights of the biennial event is the public debut of the KF-21 Boramae advanced 4.5 gen fighter, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF.) The aircraft on display is one of the six flying prototypes built for the KF-21 flight test programme. The 8.8 trillion won (US$7.8 billion) KF-21 project, also involving Indonesia, is slated to deliver the fighter jet to the service by 2026. The aircraft has already attracted international attention, with the United Arab Emirates expressing interest in joining as a partner.
Another major attraction is the display of the ground assets of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK); the weapons have not been showcased in any previous edition of the event. Adding to the excitement is the aircraft demonstrations and exhibition of military assets, such as KF-21 Boramae, Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, FA-50 light attack aircraft, K2 battle tanks and K9A1 self-propelled howitzers. U.S. military assets including an F-22 Raptor stealth jet and an FA-18G Hornet are on display.
The Air Show is now among the top five trade aerospace and defence trade shows in the world in terms of exhibition area. “By 2025, we will be among the top three largest trade shows,” said Min Seok. “The growth of the event is testament to the speedy and sustained development of Korea’s defence industry. We want to showcase all the exciting products and capabilities that our companies have to offer.”
With South Korea and the region being a major market for their products, there is a significant number of U.S. companies at the event. This year’s edition holds a special significance as 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the alliance between South Korea and the United States. About 100 foreign delegations from 55 countries, including defense ministers of nine countries, heads of procurement agencies, and air force chiefs of staff of 14 nations are attending the show on business days, starting today until Friday. As many as 300,000 visitors are expected when the fair opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
Malaysian defense company, Deftech, displayed a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intheir booth during the DSA 2022 expo. The…
Airbus has performed a first A380 flight powered by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus’ A380 test aircraft MSN 1…
Cargojet has entered into a five-year strategic agreement with DHL, with a renewal option for an additional two years, to…
The Icelandic airline Eagle Air and the German aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft have announced a renewal of their support contract…
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UPNM Malaysia for collaboration and training of faculty…
Meopta is displaying a wide range of military-grade optical gun sights, scopes, and night vision equipment at the Defense Services…
After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s G7 Aerospace at DSA 2022 event on Monday (Mar. 28), Infoglobal…
Insight Atlantic, a Malaysian defense equipment supplier, is displaying a range of made-in Germany, Lowa tactical footwear in its booth…
PAL Aerospace and Thales have signed an agreement to jointly develop the next generation of mission system during the DSA…
Airod Techno Power (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honeywell International to provide Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)…
Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) has signed an MoU with Nexter on the third day of the DSA 2022 event, Wednesday…
In a public announcement released by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Wednesday (Mar. 30), there have been 54…
Sikorsky and Boeing on Thursday announced six new members, including Magnaghi Aeronautica and Collins Aerospace, of Team DEFIANT. The suppliers…
MA Group will provide the fully integrated landing gear system for the DEFIANT X helicopter, consisting of the nose and…
After spending about US$7.4 million on the project, the Australian government has cancelled its Project Air 7003, a program that…
AerCap has signed lease agreements for ten new Airbus A320neo aircraft and two new Airbus A330neo aircraft with ITA Airways.…
A routine service test for an Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft on April 1 has ended with a surprising result. …
Malaysia-based DefTech and Iveco Defence Vehicles are joining hands to establish an authorised MRO centre for Iveco Defence Vehicles trucks…
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has begun the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned…
FL Technics has launched a dedicated business line for wheels and brakes maintenance and opened a specialized shop at the…
ScioTeq has launched RDU-4208 LAD, its new full redundant Large Area Display (LAD) that can be deployed in new cockpits…
Etihad Airways, on March 31st., 2022, unveiled its new Airbus A350-1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from…
RGA-Black Stone Airlines, a newcomer in the Indonesian aviation business, officially started its business in the country after having its…
SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) announced that it has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Impeccable Vintage Properties…
Honeywell has signed separate MOUs with Malaysian firms Airod Techno Power (ATP) and Galaxy Aerospace that will further strengthen the…
AirAsia has announced that it will resume international flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Flights are now available from…
Embraer and the Brazilian Army have inked a contract to develop and implement Phase Two of the Army's Strategic Program…
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially inducted two Turkish-made T129B ATAK attack helicopters and an Airbus Defense and Space C-295…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to support the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) RPAS Project. Operations will…
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) S26T submarine acquisition project from China is at risk of cancellation due to Germany’s refusal…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.