Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Yoon delivered a congratulatory speech at the opening of Seoul ADEX 2023

Establish cooperation in the defense industry and security with friendly nations

Foster an ecosystem for growth and strengthen global competitiveness

Growth of the aerospace industry driven by the Korea AeroSpace Administration

President Yoon Suk Yeol makes congratulatory remark at the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2023 (Seoul ADEX 2023) at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do on October 17. 

In his congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023 held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do on October 17, President Yoon Suk Yeol said “The defense industry is a nation's strategic industry that buttresses national defense and the economy, and we will share our experience of growing the defense industry with friendly nations and establish a defense industry cooperation system.”

“The government presented ‘making the defense industry a cutting-edge strategic industry’ as one of its national agendas, and has made efforts to lay a firm foundation for the growth of the defense industry. In the first half of this year, a defense industry export division was created in the Office of National Security, and a pan-government defense industry export cooperation system was established, including a defense industry export strategy assessment meeting hosted by the Office of National Security,” President Yoon said.

He added, “A country that relied on foreign aid and imports has now grown as an exporter of state-of-the art fighter jets. The weapons behind me are the results of your passion to face challenges,” and mentioned each of them including KF-21 fighters, M-SAM Korean air defense system, K-9 self-propelled artillery, and next-generation infantry fighting vehicle Redback.

He noted that US military participated in this ADEX, saying, “I was able to directly confirm the overwhelming capabilities of the ROK-US Alliance that has defended a liberal democracy with blood.”

He went on to say, “Now, defense industry cooperation extends its scope to the supply of equipment and parts, training and education, and joint research and development, going beyond simple weapons exports. The government will foster an ecosystem where the defense industry can continue to grow and sharpen its global competitiveness.”

President Yoon also suggested that the government will provide active support for the aerospace industry. He said, “The aerospace and AI digital technologies are vital to victory in a future battlefield environment and the government is actively supporting the aerospace industry as the world enters a new phase of the space age with the goal to become one of the top five space technology powers.”

He added, “The Korea AeroSpace Administration to be inaugurated will lead the close public-private collaboration to promote the development of our aerospace industry, and the government will spare no policy support to accelerate the AI digital base of military operations and to develop emerging air mobility technology.”

Furthermore, President Yoon said, “The government will be dedicated to strengthening the global competitiveness of our defense industry and aerospace industry.”

According to the Office of the President, ADEX 2023 attracted 550 companies from 34 countries, and the scale of the event increased by 20% and the space of interior exhibition halls expanded by 17% compared with 2021 ADEX. To support the growth and overseas penetration of domestic small and medium ventures, seminars and presentations will be organized.

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >

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