Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) has returned after two years, following the 2023 event. As a biennial exhibition, this year’s event once again featured numerous defense companies, as well as the Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft and equipment. The U.S. Air Force also participated in, showcasing an electronic warfare aircraft and one of its F-16s. The Korean Air Force showed amazing maneuvers of KF-21, a developing aircraft.
AIM-120 AMRAAM
This missile is made by Raytheon, featuring a range of 160 kilometers and a top speed of Mach 2. Its radome is made from Rayceram 8, a Raytheon-developed ceramic material. Various fighters use this missile platform, and the Korean Air Force is using it through KF-16, F-15K, and F-35s.
AIM- 9X
An advanced infrared-tracking short-range missile, which is combat- proven. The AIM-9X Block II missile adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device to improve handling and in-flight safety. It’s equipped with updated electronics, including a lock-on-after- launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support beyond visual range engagements.
M-SAM
It is a mid-range Surface-to-Air Missile, which was developed by South Korea. As South Korea’s three-tier aerial and missile defense system, it features Hit-to-Kill ballistic missile interception ability.
F-15K
F-15K is an advanced multirole strike fighter derived from the F-15E, operated exclusively by the Republic of Korea Air Force. It is prized for its long range, massive weapons payload, and powerful avionics, making it a highly capable platform for both deep-strike and air combat missions.
KF-21
The KF-21 is an advanced 4.5-generation multirole fighter featuring a South Korea-developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, which uses thousands of T/R modules for superior, multi-target tracking. Its design incorporates low-observable (LO) features such as planform alignment and radar-absorbent materials to significantly reduce its Radar Cross-Section (RCS).
F-35A Freedom Fighter
The F-35A Lightning II is a 5th-generation, single-seat, multirole stealth fighter designed for air superiority and strike missions. Its most advanced feature is comprehensive sensor fusion, which networks all onboard sensors to provide the pilot with unmatched situational awareness.
ADEX is significant as an event that brings the public and the defense industry together to highlight national defense capabilities and technological advancements. As this year’s event offered many attractions, we hope for continued and strong interest in the upcoming 2027 ADEX.
Kim Jung-su (ST Reporter)
jungsutudy2160@soongsil.ac.kr
