Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) CEO Kang Goo-young, third from right, shows a KUH-1 Surion helicopter to Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Muhammad Al-Abasi and other Iraqi defense officials at the firm's booth at the 2024 International Defense Exhibition in Iraq (IQDEX) in Baghdad, Saturday (local time). The defense fair ran from Saturday to Tuesday. Courtesy of KAI

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) showcased its key aerial platforms at the 2024 International Defense Exhibition in Iraq (IQDEX) from Saturday to Tuesday (local time), as the country's sole aircraft manufacturer expands its presence in the Middle East region.

According to the defense firm, Monday, KAI participated in the 12th edition of IQDEX in Baghdad, one of the leading international defense exhibitions in the Middle East and North Africa region.

KAI set up an exhibition booth featuring its key aerospace platforms, such as the KF-21 fighter jet, FA-50 light attacker, KUH-1 Surion helicopter and Light Armed Helicopter, as well as a next-generation air combat system equipped with manned-unmanned teaming system.

During the exhibition, KAI officials met with government officials from Middle Eastern and African countries and explored new business opportunities.

"The interest from Middle Eastern countries in Korea's defense field is growing rapidly and becoming more concrete," KAI CEO Kang Goo-young said in a statement.

"In particular, there is a growing focus on KAI, which has a comprehensive portfolio including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as future aerospace platforms, Kang added. "We will do our best to achieve tangible results through proactive marketing efforts."

The Middle East region, which has traditionally relied on U.S. or European weaponry, is increasingly shifting toward Korean weapon systems due to their reputation for reliability and expandability.

Recent visits by the Iraqi and Saudi Arabian defense ministers to KAI's headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, in March have demonstrated their interest in Korean aircraft systems.

In particular, Middle Eastern countries have been showing keen interest in KAI's FA-50, KF-21 aircraft and Surion helicopters.

KAI exported 24 T-50 aircraft to Iraq in 2013 and is currently pursuing the Iraq Contractor Logistics Support project. Additionally, the aircraft manufacturer has established partnerships with other Middle Eastern nations, including the United Arab Emirates' multi-role cargo aircraft project and space cooperation with Saudi Arabia.