A prototype of the KF-21 fighter jet prepares for a test flight at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, May 9. Joint Press Corps
The KF-21 Boramae fighter jet will be unveiled to the general public for the first time during next week's Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX), according to its organizers, Wednesday.
The exhibition, held every two years, will also showcase the ground assets of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), marking the first time for such weapons to be displayed at ADEX. Plus, there is a high possibility for at least one American strategic bomber to participate in the event.
Starting Tuesday, the six-day event featuring cutting-edge aerospace and defense industry technology will take place at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, gathering 550 companies from 35 countries that will run 2,260 booths at the venue.
This will mark the largest-ever edition of the exhibition since the first one was held in 1996 under the name Seoul Air Show.
"The focus of this year's event is to serve as the momentum for Korea to leap toward becoming one of the world's top four defense export countries, and an opportunity to promote advanced technologies in the space and advanced air mobility (AAM) industries, along with the enhancement of national security awareness among the general public," Han Bong-soo, an official at the Korea Aerospace Industries Association (KAIA), said during a press briefing held in Seoul.
The event will include various aircraft demonstrations and exhibition of advanced military assets, such as KF-21 Boramae, F-35 fighter jets, FA-50 light attack aircraft, K2 battle tanks and K9A1 self-propelled howitzers.
Han said that the locally developed KF-21 figher jet is set to make its public debut.
People attend the 2021 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) held at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 24, 2021. Newsis
He also told reporters that the U.S. military has been showing great support for the upcoming event as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the alliance between Korea and the United States. As such, U.S. military assets including an F-22 Raptor stealth jet and an FA-18G Hornet will be on display, according to the organizers.
The defense exhibition will also provide marketing opportunities for defense contractors and a diplomatic venue for participating military leaders. The business days ― from Tuesday to Friday ― will gather about 100 foreign delegations from 55 countries. They include defense ministers of nine countries such as Malaysia, Australia and Iraq, Air Force chiefs of staff of 14 nations and heads of procurement agencies.
According to local reports, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), may also visit the exhibition. But event organizers did not immediately confirm his attendence during Wednesday's briefing, saying that related discussions are underway at the presidential office.
The fair will be open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday, during which some 300,000 visitors are expected. They will be able to enjoy various attractions, including two congratulatory flights by the ROK Air Force aerobatic team Black Eagles, drone contests, as well as demonstration performances by honor guards of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
"While major countries' defense exhibitions and air shows have been experiencing slow growth, Seoul ADEX is recognized as one of the fastest-growing defense exhibitions in the world, with its scale more than doubling the in the past decade," Lee Jong-ho, co-organizer of ADEX, said in a statement.
"With an aim to make ADEX one of the top three air shows in the world, we will increase efforts to better satisfy the needs of international military leaders, high-ranking officials and buyers, while ensuring the convenience and safety of the general public who visit the event."