Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Republic of Korea's largest military fair, the Ground Forces Festival, will be held in the entire Gyeryong military headquarters area from October 5th through October 9th with the theme ‘Move Towards The Future, Get Along With The People, Establish Peace.’

This year's Ground Forces Festival will be held at a massive event hall that is almost equivalent to 44 soccer fields in size, and will feature 33 programs. The Army plans to use the Festival to unveil its new high-tech combat systems that show the vision and paradigm shift of future Army forces, including 'Warrior Platform,' 'Dronebot,' and 'Scientific Training,' at the large High-tech Venture Hall.

The ‘Dronebot Combat System Zone’ will show the latest dronebots for military operations, including micro reconnaissance drones that are operated by the Army for practical and wartime use, unmanned search robots, shooting robots, and rescue robots.

The ‘Warrior Platform Zone’ will showcase combat clothing and gear enhanced with high-tech materials and the latest technology to help maximize the combat power of individual combatants, and the ‘Scientific Reserve Forces Training Zone’ will show an AR-based 'Urban Tactical Fire Simulation,' which is being jointly developed by the Army and the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Visitors can pilot drones for themselves or experience future combat by donning VR gear and warrior platform gears at the three zones.

Outside the exhibit hall, the Army will show 45 types of weapons and equipment: the latest hardware and equipment, such as the 'Cheonmu' multiple-rocket launcher, K9 self-propelled howitzer, and wheeled armored vehicle, as well as equipment under development. There will be a number of other events as well, including an equipment driving demonstration and military-life experience.

The festival wave is also expected to be boosted by various contests in which both soldiers and the public can participate, including the Army Chief of Staff's Drone Competition, Robot Competition, Overwatch e-Sports Competition, and Pla Model Competition.

“This will offer a good chance to see the high-tech Army using scientific technology of the fourth industrial revolution, and supporting peace while maintaining a complete readiness posture. Your attention would be highly appreciated,” said Colonel Jung Yong-seok, head of the Ground Forces Festival Planning Group.

The Army provides information on the festival, including how to join the festival and book hands-on activities, through the Ground Forces Festival website(www.armyfest.or.kr).

The Army is also responding promptly to various kinds of questions on ‘Kakao Plus’ and is getting prepared for 'Beacon,' a service in which information is offered automatically via mobile phone applications that use the Bluetooth function.

For further information, contact the Ground Forces Festival Promotion Team (042-550-5330~2).

By Sang-Yun, Kim < ksy0609@dema.mil.kr >

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