Aerospace and AI are future of defense industry, says Yoon

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Aerospace and AI are future of defense industry, says Yoon

Published: 17 Oct. 2023, 18:30 Updated: 17 Oct. 2023, 18:33

SARAH KIM
kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr

President Yoon Suk Yeol, front left, visits a booth for the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), as KAI CEO Kang Goo-young, front right, briefs him on the latest aircraft during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Tuesday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

SEONGNAM, Gyeonggi – President Yoon Suk Yeol said the next steps for Korea's defense industry are aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence as the country began its largest-ever arms fair Tuesday showcasing its latest military hardware.

"The keys to victory in the future battlefield are aerospace and AI," Yoon said in his address during the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition, or ADEX, at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi. "Our defense industry is writing a new history, creating something from nothing."

Yoon said Korea's homegrown defense systems, including the KF-21 supersonic fighter jet, FA-50 light combat aircraft, M-SAM surface-to-air missiles and L-SAM, K-9 howitzer, K-2 tank, Surion transport helicopter, LAH combat helicopter, Redback infantry fighting vehicle and Chunmoo precision targeting rocket artillery system, show the potential of Korea's defense industry.

"From a country that once relied on aid and imports, today we have reached a level where not only did we independently develop high-tech fighter jets but export them," Yoon said.

President Yoon Suk Yeol highlights Korea’s advanced defense systems in a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2023 (ADEX) at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, on Tuesday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Noting that Korea aims to become one of the top five countries in the world in space technology, Yoon said that the government will "provide full support so that our aerospace industry will lead the new space era." He said that Korea's new aerospace agency will soon be launched as well.

Yoon then stressed that the government will provide full support in speeding up the implementation of AI technologies in the military.

Some 550 companies from 34 countries participated in the largest-ever ADEX, the 14th of its kind, which runs through Sunday.

Yoon noted the importance of the alliance between Korea and the United States, noting the U.S. military's participation in this year's Seoul ADEX.

"Visitors will be able to see for themselves the overwhelming capacity of the South Korea-U. S. alliance, which has protected the free democracy through blood," Yoon said.

He added that the government will establish a business ecosystem to sustain the growth of Korea's defense industry.

The F-22 fifth-generation fighter and U.S. strategic weapons like the B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber were displayed at this year's ADEX to demonstrate the strength of the Korea-U. S. alliance, which celebrates its 70th anniversary.

In an indication of growing interest in the K-defense industry, 116 delegations from 57 countries, including high-ranking military officials, businesspeople, CEOs of defense companies and buyers from countries interested in defense industry exports, took part in the event, according to the presidential office.

This includes delegations from the United States, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Britain and Malaysia. Some 30,000 visitors are anticipated during the six-day event's run.

Yoon and the other dignitaries, officials and defense industry leaders viewed an air show during the opening ceremony, which featured the South Korean Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team.

As a finale, a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber staged a rare commemorative flight over Seoul Air Base during the opening ceremony of ADEX.

The nuclear-capable B-52, a key U.S. strategic asset, later landed at an air base in Cheongju, marking the first time the bomber actually landed in South Korea, though they have previously been deployed over the Korean Peninsula for joint drills with Seoul.

A KF-21 test flight was also shown to the public for the first time.

A U.S. B-52 strategic bomber flies over the Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, during the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) Tuesday. [YONHAP]

After the airshow, Yoon viewed the Korean military's aircraft exhibited outdoors.

Later, Yoon visited indoor exhibition booths for the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer, arms producer Hanwha Aerospace, space and defense company LIG Nex1 and tank maker Hyundai Rotem.

At the KAI booth, Yoon was briefed on KAI's projects and viewed aircraft models, including the KF-21, FA-50 and T-50.

"Currently, all combat power is provided by manned aircraft with pilots, but in the next generation, unmanned and small-sized aircraft will become the core of combat power," KAI CEO Kang Goo-young said to Yoon.

"We are building the future strategic system together with Hanwha," he said, adding that KAI provides the "platform" and Hanwha the "system."

He said this aligns with the Yoon government's vision of "realizing peace through power" and "ensuring that the largest and most powerful force can emerge from the future battlefield system."

Yoon viewed a Nuri KSLV-II rocket model at the Hanwha Aerospace booth and was also briefed on integrated vetronics systems (IVS), including next-generation aerospace technologies such as microsatellites and AI pilots, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

"Space is becoming a key domain for the economy, technology and security," Ryu Young-kwan, vice president of Hanwha Aerospace, said in his briefing to the president. "As a comprehensive space solution company in Korea with all capabilities related to the space industry[...]Hanwha is leading the space industry in the new space era and contributing to the expansion of Korea's space economy."

Last year, Korean arms exports reached a record $17.3 billion, the presidential office said, adding that the government and companies are working together to drive sustainable growth of the K-defense industry.

"The Korean defense industry is making remarkable achievements in preparation for the rapidly changing international security environment and the unstable security situation in Korea," the presidential office said in a statement. "We expect to be able to demonstrate the capabilities and growth potential of the Korean defense industry to citizens and overseas delegations through our excellent domestically produced weapon systems."

BY SARAH KIM, LEE HO-JEONG [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]