Have you thought about how South Korea is also gaining traction in the global defense market? Or do you want to see what the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet looks like doing what it does best? Excited to see more on the latest aspects on what AI can do in defense, and with unmanned aircraft?
If any of this rings true, then you’re in luck – Seoul ADEX 2025 has you covered. The mega-advertised event, held from October 17 to the 24, 2025, will take place at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam and with the KINTEX convention center in Goyang. The exhibition will feature over 600 companies from 35 countries.
Discover for yourself how Korea is using innovation, strategy, and using the public at large on a global defense exhibition.
Korea’s Defense Industry on the Rise
Korea has been quietly but steadily climbing the ranks of global defense powers. Its arms exports nearly doubled between 2021 and 2022, thanks to big deals like supplying Poland with K2 Black Panther tanks, K9 howitzers, FA-50 jets, and Chunmoo rocket launchers. More recently, contracts with Romania and the Philippines have strengthened Korea’s reputation as a fast, reliable supplier that meets NATO standards.
The government is aiming high: by 2027, Korea wants to be the fourth-largest arms exporter in the world. And ADEX 2025 is the perfect stage to show both domestic and international visitors that Korea isn’t just keeping up—it’s leading.
The Star of the Show: KF-21 Boramae
If you’re an aviation or defense enthusiast, get ready for the KF-21 Boramae, Korea’s first domestically developed fighter jet. At ADEX 2025, it will perform full-fledged pilot maneuvers, showing off the cutting-edge tech inside. And it’s not just the KF-21—visitors will also see Black Eagles aerobatic team performances, civilian stunt teams, and some of the latest aircraft from around the globe.
Other highlights include light armed helicopters (LAH), KT-1 trainer jets, and advanced unmanned aerial systems. For military tech fans, the Korean GPS-Guided Bomb (KGGB) will also be on display—a precision weapon that’s already earned international attention.
Innovation Everywhere You Look
ADEX 2025 isn’t just about jets and helicopters—it’s a playground for futuristic tech.
- Hanwha Aerospace is bringing AI-powered systems for autonomous navigation, mission optimization, and target detection. Their lineup includes K9A3 howitzers, Chunmoo 3.0 rockets, and K-NIFV infantry vehicles, all showcasing Korea’s edge in modern warfare.
- Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will present the KF-21 alongside FA-50 jets, KUH and LAH helicopters, plus AI-based Next Air Combat System (NACS) concepts. Flight tests with IRIS-T and Meteor missiles show they’re serious about readiness.
- Hanwha Systems will unveil the AESPA radar for KF-21 jets, along with small synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.
- Korean Air is stepping in with low-observable unmanned wingman aircraft, vertical takeoff drones, and cooperative unmanned systems for the first time.
And don’t miss the New Technology Hall at KINTEX. Covering over 2,200 square meters, it will showcase reusable rockets, advanced satellite communications, and full-scale models of futuristic air mobility aircraft—essentially giving visitors a peek at the next decade of aerospace innovation.
For the Public and the Professionals
One of the best things about ADEX is that it’s not just for defense contractors and military officials. From October 17 to 19, the public can enjoy aerial performances, get hands-on with aircraft, and even step inside fighter jets and other vehicles.
From October 20 to 23, it’s “Business Days” for industry insiders, featuring B2B meetings, networking sessions, and contract talks. And on October 24, called “Future’s Day,” students and job seekers get a chance to explore careers in aerospace and defense, attend lectures, and connect with industry experts. It’s a clever way to inspire the next generation while also boosting the industry.
ADEX as a Statement
Beyond cool displays and high-tech gadgets, ADEX 2025 sends a strategic message. Korea is showing that it can stand on its own when it comes to defense technology. With rising global tensions and increasing demand for modern military systems, this exhibition highlights Korea’s independence, innovation, and reliability.
Companies like LIG Nex1 are debuting domestically developed air-to-air missiles, marking a shift away from imports. Hyundai Rotem will showcase K2PL tanks, wheeled armored vehicles, AI-powered unmanned systems, and even a hydrogen fuel-cell platform—proof that Korea is thinking about future warfare technology and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Seoul ADEX 2025 is not just a show; it is a window into aerospace and defense. The show enables reinvigorated international and domestic cooperation, prepares Korea to position itself as an advanced air mobility and space tech icon, and builds national pride through public engagement.
By showing products from fighter jet aircraft to artificial intelligence systems, Korea is sending a clear message, “We are ready for the future—and we want the world to know.”
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Conclusion
While ADEX 2025 is an exhibit, in many ways, it is Korea sharing their success story. From the KF-21 fighter aircraft, unmanned vehicle technology systems, and AI-based technologies, it shares a demonstrated history of technological capacity, innovation, and intentions to play more significantly on the world stage. For the attendees, industry, and international audience, it is more than seeing technology; it is about seeing a country that is stepping boldly onto the world stage.
So whether you’re a defense enthusiast, technology buff, or simply in awe about the future, Seoul ADEX 2025 promises to be an exhilarating, educational, and inspiring experience. Korea is ready to shine, and it is doing so in great fashion.
