South Korea opened its largest-ever defense exhibition on Friday, showcasing new generations of drones and artificial intelligence-powered weapons, as the country aims to strengthen its military capabilities and boost global defense sales.
Organizers of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025 said that 600 companies from 35 countries are participating in this year’s event, according to Reuters.
The exhibition began with three days of air displays at a military base, featuring performances by South Korea’s newly developed KF-21 fighter jet. Next week, the celebrations will continue with trade shows at a vast convention center.
President Lee Jae-myung announced earlier this month that the country’s defense budget for next year will rise by 8.2 percent to 66.3 trillion won (47.1 billion US dollars) amid growing regional tensions and the ongoing threat from nuclear-armed North Korea.
Meanwhile, North Korea invited foreign figures this month to attend its own weapons exhibition featuring drones and ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, followed by a major military parade.
South Korean weapons have become one of the country’s fastest-growing exports, with multibillion-dollar deals signed to supply howitzers, ammunition, missiles, and warships to nations around the world.
Hanwha Aerospace announced that during ADEX 2025, it will unveil next-generation versions of its renowned K9 self-propelled howitzer, designed with automation and AI technology to reduce or eliminate the need for a human crew.
The company will also display its L-PGW rocket-launched loitering munition, often referred to as a suicide drone, capable of flying over an area before using AI to identify and destroy a target.
Hanwha said in a statement that unmanned and AI-powered weapons will enhance South Korea’s military capabilities and help the country maintain strong defenses amid a shrinking population and fewer citizens eligible for military service.