South Korea’s arms exports are reshaping the global defence landscape

The 2024 Korea Army International Defence Industry Exhibition (Kadex), which took place in Gyeryongdae from October 2-6, brought attention to South Korea’s expanding defence exports and its willingness to offer partner countries complete packages which include technology transfer and training.

The event, attended by more than 500 exhibitors from over 50 countries, indicated Seoul’s desire to take on long-standing defence industry superpowers such as Russia and the United States. Leading South Korean defence firms, including Hanwha Systems and Hyundai Rotem, displayed their state-of-the-art equipment.

South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration revealed during the exhibition it had purchased more than 100 Warmate-3 loitering munitions – a combat unmanned aerial vehicle – from WB Group of Poland.

The acquisition is expected to improve South Korea’s operational capabilities since the Warmate-3 can interface with artillery systems and operate in swarms. It has an operational range of 30km and is compatible with various warheads.