A new technology hall introducing space technology will be established at the 'Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Industry Exhibition (ADEX)', which has emerged as one of the world's three major airshows. It is expected to gather physical models of reusable launch vehicles, advanced satellite communication equipment, space carbon fiber, and future air mobility (AAM) aircraft, opening overseas export opportunities for domestic corporations.
According to the ADEX Joint Operations Headquarters on the 20th, Seoul ADEX 2025 will be held for eight days from October 17 to 24 at Seoul Airport and Ilsan KINTEX. Seoul ADEX started as 'Seoul Airshow' in 1996 and has established itself as the largest specialized trade exhibition in Korea, encompassing aerospace and land defense since 2009. The Korea Aerospace Industries Association and the Korea Defense Industry Association are hosting the event, with sponsorship from government ministries including the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The newly established Korea AeroSpace Administration is also listed as a supporting agency this year.
The biennial Seoul ADEX celebrates its 15th iteration this year, with participating countries and companies growing from 34 countries and 550 firms in 2023 to over 600 firms from 35 countries this year, marking the largest scale yet. Unlike previous events, the airshow and exhibition will operate separately. The airshow will take place at Seoul Airport, while ADEX will be set up in Hall 2 at Ilsan KINTEX. The event size has also increased by 58% from 2023 to 49,000 square meters, similar to that of the Farnborough Airshow in the UK and following the largest Paris Airshow at 79,000 square meters. This has led to the assessment that Seoul ADEX has risen to rank among the world's three major airshows alongside Paris and Farnborough.
The new space and AAM technology hall, making its debut this year, will be constructed on a scale of 2,260 square meters. It is the second largest in the world after the space hall at Paris Airshow 2025, which covers 2,500 square meters. This venue will feature physical models of reusable launch vehicles, satellite communications, space carbon fiber, and next-generation AAM aircraft. While last year's focal point was 'unmanned' technologies, this year, artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid manned/unmanned systems are expected to be key agendas.
At the KINTEX outdoor exhibition area, cutting-edge defense equipment, including Korean weapons, will be prominently displayed. At the same time, about 30 international seminars will be held, providing a platform for exchanging new technologies in the defense industry and aerospace.
Lee Kang-hee, head of the ADEX Joint Operations Headquarters, noted at the ADEX briefing that 'this year's distribution of domestic and international corporations is about 70 to 30, with international space companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing also expected to participate.' He added that 'the ratio of participating corporations in defense and aerospace is about 20 to 80, indicating a high proportion of defense. However, as the space industry grows, it is expected to expand in the future.'
The headquarters plans to actively promote the excellence of domestic weapons to high-ranking foreign military personnel and CEOs of defense companies, aiming to expand export pathways. The order and consultation results, which reached $29.4 billion (41.83 trillion won) in 2023, are expected to exceed $30 billion (41.91 trillion won) this year.
The Deputy Minister remarked, 'The international status of Seoul ADEX, which has established itself as one of the world's three major airshows this year, will be further solidified through this exhibition,' and added, 'It is anticipated to enhance the status of K-defense and contribute to expanding exports.'