South Korea began its largest-ever arms fair yesterday, with firms expected to show off new uncrewed and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced weapons from howitzers to suicide drones, as Seoul seeks to bolster its military and pursues more global defense sales.
Organizers said a record 600 companies from 35 countries were to participate in the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) this year.
The ADEX began with three days of air shows at an air base, including flights by its newly developed KF-21 jet. The festivities would be followed next week by business exhibitions at a conference center.
Photo: Reuters
Earlier this month, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said that the country’s defense budget for next year would rise 8.2 percent to 66.3 trillion won (US$46.6 billion), as it faces more tensions around the region and North Korea.
Arms have become one of South Korea’s fastest growing exports, as it has inked multibillion dollar deals selling everything from howitzers and ammunition to missiles and warships around the world.
Hanwha Aerospace said it would unveil next-generation versions of its self-propelled K9 howitzer that use automation and AI to reduce or eliminate the need for a crew.
The company also said it would showcase its L-PGW, a missile-launched loitering munition, or a suicide drone, which can circle an area before using AI to identify and destroy a target.
Uncrewed weapons and AI would provide more capabilities and help South Korea maintain its defenses, despite a shrinking population that would reduce the number of available soldiers, it said.
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