2016 Defense Expo Korea Kicks Off

by YuGee / Sep 08, 2016 06:22 AM EDT

The MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system stands on display at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, South Korea, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. The exhibition runs through Oct. 25. Photographer: Se

The 2016 Defense Expo Korea (DX Korea), South Korea's largest weaponry exhibition, kicked off on Wednesday. The event was hosted by the Association of the Republic of Korea Army and supported by the Ministry of National Defense.

The 2016 DX Korea aims to promote the overseas sale of weapons and systems made in South Korea and to improve cooperation between local and international defense firms.

The Korea Times reported that the Ministry of National Defense said an estimate of 400 defense industry companies from 35 countries which include the United States, Israel, and Germany, are taking part in this year's event. The ministry also mentioned that the event is getting more attention from customers overseas.

There are also about 80 high-ranking military officials that include army chiefs of staff from the countries that are attending the event.

Ministry Spokesman Moon Sang Gyun said, "the prime goal of DX Korea is to help Korean firms export the weapons they produce ranging from K-9 self-propelled howitzers and K-21 armored fighting vehicles to the Hyungung anti-tank guided missile."

For the first time, four defense units of Hanwha Group_Hanwha Corp., Hanwha Techwin, Hanwha Defense Systems, and Hanwha Thales established a combined exhibition booth to showcase their weapon systems and present their unified competence in the defense industry.

The group mentioned that it is aiming to explore synergy among the four defense units. Hanwha Corp. is in charge of the system integration for the Chunmoo multiple rocket launching system (MRLS) and for the system integration for L-SAM long-range surface-to-air interceptor missiles. Hanhwa Defense Systems administer the development and operation of the launcher, while Hanwha Thales is responsible for the radar. Hanwha Defense Systems administer the launcher.

According to the CEO of Hanwha Corp., Lee Tae Jong, "This exhibition is very meaningful as we are presenting a combined exhibition stand for the first time since the four defense systems were integrated. We will enhance the image of Hanhwa as an integrated defense systems provider through this show and will promote a new domestic business as well as implement an active marketing strategy with global enterprises."

Ordinary visitors may watch demonstrations of the KIA1 and K-2 main battle tanks and experience an armored vehicle in a different outdoor exhibition hall from September 7 to 9. On September 10, visitors will be allowed to wander around the venue of the exhibition.